Ukraine Offiicaly Closes 4 Seaports Seized by Russia

Ukraine formally closed its four Black and Azov seaports, which Russian forces have captured, the Ukrainian agriculture ministry announced on Monday.

The Azov Sea ports of Mariupol, Berdiansk and Skadovsk and the Black Sea port of Kherson were closed "until the restoration of control", the ministry said in a statement.

"The adoption of this measure is caused by the impossibility of servicing ships and passengers, carrying out cargo, transport and other related economic activities, ensuring the appropriate level of safety of navigation," the statement read.

All Ukrainian seaports suspended their activity since the Russian invasion on 24 February.

In the same vein, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy pointed out that Ukraine might lose tens of millions of tonnes of grain due to Russia's control of Black Sea shipping, triggering a food crisis that will affect Europe, Asia and Africa.

"Russia does not let ships come in or go out, it is controlling the Black Sea," Zelenskyy told the Australian news programme 60 Minutes. "Russia wants to completely block our country's economy."