Russia's ambassador to Washington, Anatoly Antonov, has rejected assertions made by the United States that Russia is preparing to attack civilian ships in the Black Sea. In comments posted by his embassy, Antonov stated that the claims were pure falsification and an attempt by the US to disguise its own destructive activities.

His comments come after Moscow announced on Wednesday that it would consider all ships traveling to Ukrainian ports as potential carriers of military cargo and their flag countries as parties to the conflict. This decision followed Russia's withdrawal from a year-old deal that provided safe passage for ships exporting Ukrainian grain.

The White House expressed concerns that Russia could potentially target civilian shipping in the Black Sea alongside Ukrainian grain facilities. Despite these concerns, Antonov maintains that Russia has no intention of attacking civilian ships.