Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in a video released Tuesday that Ukraine would retaliate against Russia in the Black Sea to ensure that its waters are not blocked and that it can import and export grain and other goods.

Zelenskyi’s comments, posted on the Ukrainian president’s website, came days after Ukrainian naval drones loaded with explosives damaged a Russian warship near the major Russian port of Novorossiysk and hit a Russian oil tanker.

In the video, Volodymyr Zelenskyi notes:

• “If Russia continues to dominate the Black Sea outside its territory, block or open fire on us again, launch missiles at our ports, Ukraine will do the same. This is a fair defense of our capabilities, of any corridor.”
• “We don’t have many ships. But they must clearly understand that by the end of the war they will have zero ships, zero.”

Zelensky called on Russia to stop shelling Ukrainian ports with missiles and drones and allow trade to continue, according to a series of statements made during a briefing with journalists from Latin American countries, Reuters reports.

Read also:

• Ukraine is preparing other surprises for Russia. Last warning for Black Sea ports
• Does Ukraine’s attack on a Russian ship in the Black Sea change anything? What do the Russians say?

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