The dynamics of the Russian-Ukrainian war continues to heat up. Russia shot down a ship belonging to a NATO country.
Last weekend, Russia intercepted a cargo ship belonging to Turkey’s NATO state company, Şükrü Okan. The Russian Defense Ministry confirmed on Tuesday that it had fired warning shots before boarding the ship.
This worries analysts. Some analysts say that the war could expand and involve the Western military alliance, NATO.
James Stavridis, a former US admiral who commanded alliance forces in Europe from 2009 to 2013, warned that an escalation like this might force Ukraine’s allies to intervene. Not only because there was an attack on a NATO country but also to prevent serious damage to the economy because the intercept had an impact on goods shipments from Ukraine.
“Russia’s actions in the international waters of the Black Sea create a real risk of escalating this into a war at sea between NATO and the Russian Federation , “ he told POLITICO .
Stavridis also strongly criticized Russia’s attitude and likened it to “piracy”. He then highlighted the Kremlin’s intensified efforts to disrupt trade between Ukraine and the wider European region.
He also added that NATO can protect ships departing and arriving at Ukrainian ports such as Odessa. This could most likely involve NATO warplanes and warships.
“NATO will not provide all the arms and money for Ukraine to watch Russia suffocate their economy with an illegal blockade,” he stressed.
“If Russia starts seizing ships or trying to scare them away, I think it’s likely that NATO will respond by supporting humanitarian corridors for shipping,” he explained.
Meanwhile, quoted by AFP, Turkey warned Moscow to avoid escalation. The shooting of the Sukru Okan Ship made President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s Palace react.
“The Russian Federation is careful to avoid such attempts, which are increasing especially in the Black Sea,” Turkey’s presidency stressed Thursday.
Tensions in the Black Sea have seen a significant escalation following Russia’s unilateral withdrawal from the UN’s Black Sea Grain Initiatives in July. In addition, Russia issued a warning that ships en route to Ukrainian ports may be treated as potential military targets.
In response, Ukraine demonstrated its readiness to target Russia’s energy exports by carrying out a maritime drone attack on a tanker. In addition, Ukraine designated the waters around Russia’s Black Sea ports a “war risk area” from August 23.
Source : CNBC
