russia's actions in the Black Sea are an unacceptable escalation — US State Department

russia's claims that all ships proceeding to Ukrainian ports in Black Sea waters will be considered as potential carriers of military cargo are an "unacceptable escalation", stated the Principal Deputy Spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State Vedant Patel during the press briefing on August 14.

The US State Department condemned russia's actions in the Black Sea against the merchant ship Sukru Okan, which was heading to the port of Izmail.

"russia has publicly announced that all ships proceeding to Ukrainian ports in Black Sea waters will be considered potential — as potential carriers of military cargo. This is, in our view, an unacceptable escalation that again demonstrates moscow’s responsibility for grain not reaching the places where it needs to go," he said answering the question.

Vedant Patel added that the Department will continue to monitor this situation carefully, and admitted the concern that russia’s military may expand their targeting of Ukrainian grain facilities to include attacks against civilian ships in the Black Sea.

Sukru Okan, a general cargo sailing under the flag of Palau, was illegally stopped by russians in Turkish waters on August 13. The russians threatened the crew with weapons and forced them to obey the orders.

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