Russia says Ukraine used ‘grain corridor’ in Sevastopol drone attack
The Russian Ministry of Defense reports that the maritime drones which attacked the Black Sea Fleet on October 29 traveled, before the attack, through the “grain corridor” safe zone, which was created to allow Ukraine to export agricultural products from Black Sea ports.
The ministry says the drones’ route became clear during investigations of the Canadian-produced navigation units the drones use. The analysis shows that the drones were launched from the shore in the Odesa region, then traveled along the “grain corridor,” and at some point turned toward the Russian maritime base in Sevastopol.
The movement coordinates of one of the maritime drones show, according to the ministry, that it started its trip in the waters of the Black Sea “grain corridor.” This could indicate, according to experts, that it was launched from on board one of the civilian ships used to export agricultural products from Ukrainian ports.
In times of war it is impossible to immediately verify information disseminated even by official representatives of parties to the conflict.
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On October 29, nine flying drones and seven maritime drones attacked the Russian Black Sea Fleet in Sevastopol. Seven of the 16 drones were shot down. According to the Ministry of Defense, a maritime minesweeper, the Ivan Golubets, sustained “minor damage.” Analysts with GeoConfirmed believe that three ships were damaged, including the frigate Admiral Makarov.
After the attack on the Port of Sevastopol, Russia indefinitely suspended its participation in an agreement, finalized in July with Turkish and UN mediation, on the export of Ukrainian grain and fertilizer through the Black Sea. Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky says that Russia is “permanently breaking” the export deal.
