Russia’s grain attack

SIR – Hours after signing an agreement to allow Ukraine to get its grain out to the starving world (report, July 23), Russia fired missiles into the port of Odesa, preventing any movement.

At a stroke, Russia has confirmed its disgusting mindset and proved it couldn’t care less about the hungry. BJ Colby

Bristol

SIR – As a retired Merchant Navy captain, I remember that during the Falkland Islands war in 1982 the life insurance policies of seafarers was underwritten by HM Government.

That no war has been declared by Russia will not prevent insurance companies denying claims for the lives of civilian seafarers killed transporting grain from the Ukraine.

The United Nations needs Turkey to allow warships into the Black Sea to ensure the safe passage of ships and crews involved in the humanitarian effort to provide food for the millions who will die if ships are prevented from completing their voyages.

Our Government needs to warn Russia that the murder of any British seafarer undertaking his lawful business will result in an immediate response.

Peter J Newton

Chellaston, Derbyshire