On July 17, 2023, Russia announced it would suspend participation in the Black Sea Grain Initiative, a lifesaving humanitarian program brokered by the United Nations and Turkey. This development could result in an increased threat to maritime traffic in the Black Sea and Sea of Azov. Per U.S. Maritime Advisory 2023-004 (Black Sea and Sea of Azov-Military Combat Operations), exercise extreme caution when transiting these areas. Further updates will be provided when available. This alert will automatically expire on July 27, 2023. Direct any maritime industry questions regarding this alert to gmcc@uscg.mil. For more information about U.S. Maritime Alerts and Advisories, including subscription details, please visit https://www.marad.dot.gov/MSCI.