‘International coalition’ of warships needed to stop Russian blockade, says retired US general

Former US Army Chief of Staff General Jack Keane has backed calls for an “international coalition” of nations with warships to help break the Russian blockade of Ukrainian ports.

“I believe an international coalition of nations with warships should lead those cargo ships in international waters up to and near the port of Odessa, never leaving international waters,” he said.

“I don’t believe this should be a NATO operation – an international coalition of interested parties who want to see this humanitarian relief take place and avoid a world food shortage.”

Mr Keane stressed the importance of the operation given the potential for a catastrophic impact on the world food supply if the ports remain blocked to cargo ships.

“I believe that risk is acceptable giving what we believe is going to happen to the world food supply,” he said.

“And yes, we have every right to be in international waters and to keep the seas open in terms of international global commerce.”