MOSCOW. Aug 15 (Interfax) - The Russian ships which ensured security during the grain deal in the Black Sea are now being used for 'isolation' measures, the Russian Navy's chief commander Nikolai Yevmenov has said.
"The patrol vessels in the Black Sea have proven their effectiveness. They ensured security during the Black Sea initiative and are now taking part in isolation [measures]," Yevmenov said in an interview with the Zvezda television channel on Tuesday.
Moscow quit the deal and on July 17 sent its objections to Ankara, Kiev and the UN.
On July 19, the Russian military said that because the deal had now been terminated, the humanitarian corridor in the Black Sea would be closed, and starting from 00:00 Moscow time on July 20, all ships bound for Ukrainian ports would be regarded as potential carriers of military cargo.
On July 21, the Russian Defense Ministry said that the Black Sea Fleet had conducted an exercise for isolating an area temporarily closed to navigation.
On August 13, the Russian military said that it had fired warning shots and scrambled a helicopter to stop a bulk carrier in the Black Sea en route to the port of Izmail.