Russia's Black Sea Fleet has "altered its posture" following the termination of the Black Sea Grain Initiative

Russia has repositioned its Black Sea Fleet following the termination of the Black Sea Grain Initiative, and there is now the potential for an increase in violence in the area, Britain's Defense Ministry said.

In its daily assessment, defense officials in the United Kingdom said that since Russia pulled out of the hard-fought Black Sea grain export deal, the Black Sea Fleet has "altered its posture...in preparedness to enforce a blockade on Ukraine."

Moscow announced on July 17 that it was pulling out of the deal, which was due for its fourth renewal. The Black Sea Grain Initiative allowed the safe exports of Ukraine's grain and agricultural products to global markets. The United Nations has said Russia's decision to terminate it would "strike a blow to people in need everywhere."