The blockade effectively isolated Ukraine from international maritime trade.
The Berdyansk port was seized in order to move Russian equipment and tanks into Ukraine, more quickly. And has served as a staging area for the army supplies.
When the port was captured, it was called a “milestone event” by President Vladimir Putin’s military spokesman. The Russian navy took control of the Sea of Azov and effectively closed down ports at the start of the invasion.
The Russian navy blocked shipping in-and-out of Ukraine. And that left hundreds of merchant ships stranded in the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov for a while.
Ukraine is home to 15 major seaports on the coastlines of the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea. And it is a hub to global trade in both Europe and the US. The port of Berdyansk is strategically located.
Disruption to trade through Ukraine has caused shortages in Europe. Commodity prices were at near record highs at the start of the war. And since the invasion inflation has rippled across the global economy.
