Russia fires warning shots at Black Sea cargo ship headed for Ukraine

Officials say seven people have been killed by Russian shelling in southern Ukraine. Attacks on the Kherson region killed a family, including a baby girl and a young boy. Kherson was one of four regions that Russia claimed to have annexed last year. Ukrainian forces have since pushed Russian troops out of the city.

 

Is Russia losing the upper hand in the Black Sea?

 

Ukrainian intelligence sources say a Russian warship has been damaged in a drone attack on Russia's Black Sea naval base in Novorossiysk. This video published on social media appears to show the seaborne drone moments before it hits the ship. Ukraine says the Russian vessel was seriously damaged. Other online videos show the Russian landing ship listing and being towed to shore. Russia's defense ministry says the Ukrainian attack was foiled, and did not admit any damage to its warship.

Ukraine considering alternative grain export routes

The Black Sea grains deal, brokered by the United Nations and Turkey, allowed Ukraine to export grain, despite the Russian navy having blocked its ports. As a result global food prices went down and aid agencies were able to access hundreds of thousands of tonnes of food needed in vulnerable countries in Africa and Asia. Since Russia pulled out of the deal last week the European Union is seeking to transport more Ukrainian grains via road and rail. But these alternative routes are seemingly becoming targeted as well.

How could Russia targeting civilian ships change the course of the war in Ukraine?

 The United States has expressed deep concern about Russia's strikes on Ukraine's Black Sea Ports, after a third straight day of attacks and indications that Moscow could take aim at civilian ships in the area. Kyiv has now responded in kind to a Russian threat to treat ships bound for Ukraine as potential enemy targets.

Why is the Black Sea grain deal important?

Fears are growing that Russia won't extend its grain deal with Ukraine after it expires later this Monday. The move would affect millions of people across the globe who are struggling with hunger and dependent on the grain and other foods that come out of Ukraine. Ukraine is a major supplier of crops such as maize, wheat and barley and also sunflower oil.
 

US drone: The hidden world beneath the Black Sea

 Russia says it plans to retrieve the unmanned US drone downed over the Black Sea last Tuesday.

The US has said a recovery operation would be “very difficult” due to the significant depth of the Black Sea. But how deep is it? And what can be found down there?

What are the implications of US drone crashing in the Black Sea?

 Accounts conflict on what caused a spy drone to crash near Crimea.

A United States drone crashed into the Black Sea on Tuesday after being pursued by Russian fighter jets.

It is the most serious incident involving the two superpowers directly since the Ukraine war began last year.

CNN visits infamous Snake Island. See what we found

At the start of the war, as Russian troops attempted to take over Snake Island in the Black Sea, Ukrainian troops fired back the now infamous retort: "Russian warship, go f**k yourself." 

Odesa prepares for possible Russian attack, fears prompt curfew

Russia launched two attacks near Odesa in the last few days, prompting fear among inhabitants that the port city might be its next target. A nightly curfew has been put into place as a response.

Istanbul Canal: Plan to link Black & Marmara seas criticised

 

Turkey's President is laying the foundation stone in a mega-project that will link the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara.