Sharjah24 - Reuters: Russia's defence ministry on Monday accused Ukraine of attempting to attack its ships in the Black Sea, which it said was threatening prospects for a deal on grain exports.

"The terrorist actions of the Kyiv regime jeopardize the next extension of the grain deal beyond May 18 this year," it said in a statement on its Telegram channel.

The defense ministry said an analysis of the route taken by Ukrainian naval drones launched March 23 and April 24 showed they originated in the water area of the Crimean port of Odessa that is designated for the implementation of the Black Sea initiative.

Ukraine almost never publicly claims responsibility for attacks inside Russia and on Russian-controlled territory in Ukraine.