Russia labels Ukrainian strikes on Sea of Azov shipping as "terrorism"

Azov shipping restricted

Shipping in the Sea of Azov remained restricted on Tuesday, according to Reuters sources. It lies at the mouth of the Don River, which flows through Russia's main southern grain-producing region, and handles mostly smaller, coastal ships.

A source told Reuters on Monday that commercial vessels were unable to enter or leave the Sea of Azov via the Kerch Strait or the Azov-Don channel connecting the sea with the Don River.

In recent months, Ukraine has carried out a series of attacks on Russian oil refineries, fuel depots, ports and other energy infrastructure, which have created fuel shortages across Russia and disrupted exports.

Neither the Agriculture Ministry nor the Transport Ministry confirmed that Sea of Azov traffic was restricted.

However, the Agriculture Ministry on Tuesday acknowledged that exports may get diverted to other routes.