subscribe Support our award-winning journalism. The Premium package (digital only) is R30 for the first month and thereafter you pay R129 p/m now ad-free for all subscribers.
Subscribe now
Russian President Vladimir Putin. Picture: KREMLIN via REUTERS/MIKHAIL METZEL
Russian President Vladimir Putin. Picture: KREMLIN via REUTERS/MIKHAIL METZEL

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is being described as an existential threat to the West. The World Food Programme’s characterisation of the strangling of grain exports out of Odessa by naval blockade as a declaration of war is significant. This affects many countries and could lead to hunger and social unrest.

A case can be made to the international community to open this port by force. The Black Sea is an international waterway, so any naval or commercial vessel can enter it. I propose a convoy of grain tankers escorted by warships with the stated intention of escorting them in and out of the port. Any Russian objection would expose their obvious intention to starve the world into compliance.

The implied threat should be: “If you fire on us, we will fire on you”, and the firepower should be substantial. This war will only end when Russia realises it can’t push the rest of the world around.

Bernard Benson, Parklands

JOIN THE DISCUSSION: Send us an email with your comments to letters@businesslive.co.za. Letters of more than 300 words will be edited for length. Anonymous correspondence will not be published. Writers should include a daytime telephone number.​

subscribe Support our award-winning journalism. The Premium package (digital only) is R30 for the first month and thereafter you pay R129 p/m now ad-free for all subscribers.
Subscribe now

Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.