After an inspection by both parties to the conflict, which also included experts from Turkey and the United Nations, the trip continues to Lebanon. Other ships must follow.
The “Razoni” left the Ukrainian port of Odessa on the Black Sea on Monday. Ukraine and Russia had already reached an agreement on grain exports in lengthy negotiations. The freighter first had to be guided through a safe corridor through mined water. Before entering the Bosphorus, experts came aboard and checked out the ship. This should also ensure that no weapons are loaded.
Ukraine: 17 loaded ships still awaiting permission
According to the Ukrainian government, 17 ships already loaded are awaiting permission to take the same route. In late July, war opponents Ukraine and Russia signed an agreement with Turkey separately with Turkey through United Nations mediation to allow Ukraine to export grain from three ports. This also marked the establishment of the control center in Istanbul.
The US welcomed the safe passage of the “Razoni” through the Black Sea, but also warned that this could only be a first step. Further implementation of the agreement is “of crucial importance to improving food security in the world,” the State Department said in Washington. Other governments have made similar statements.
Before the Russian war of aggression, Ukraine was one of the most important grain exporters in the world. Deliveries are expected to make millions of tonnes of grain available again to the world market. Food is urgently needed, especially in Asia, Africa and the Middle East. For Kyiv, it is also about revenues in the billions.