The United States announced: Russia can attack civilian ships

White House National Security Council Strategic Communications Coordinator John Kirby answered questions from reporters at a daily online news briefing.

Noting that Russia had attacked Ukrainian ports and damaged agricultural infrastructure, Kirby warned that Moscow could expand its attacks to include attacks on civilian ships in the Black Sea. Coordinator Kirby noted:

“ADDITIONAL SEA MINE PLACED”

“Our information shows that Russia is placing additional sea mines at the entrances to Ukrainian ports. We saw yesterday that Russia released a video showing the detection and detonation of a sea mine they claim to belong to Ukraine. We believe this is a coordinated effort to justify any attack on civilian ships in the Black Sea and then blame Ukraine for the ‘false flag’ operation.”

Indicating that they will closely follow developments on this issue, Kirby also repeated his calls for Russia to return to the Grain Corridor Agreement.

UKRAINE HAS COMBAMS

Kirby confirmed that the US-supplied cluster munitions had arrived in Ukraine and were deployed on the ground, but felt it was only right for the Ukrainians to provide the details.

Saying the Ukrainians use cluster munitions “appropriately and effectively,” Kirby said this had an impact on Russia’s defensive manoeuvres.

Kirby also noted that North Korea, which they reached through different channels, did not provide any response regarding the US soldier who crossed the border. (AA)