According to the Ukrainian infrastructure ministry, Russia is once again blocking the UN grain deal, which is supposed to guarantee the export of Ukrainian grain through the Black Sea. Reuters reports. Russia is said to have blocked the registration of all vessels in all Ukrainian ports.
Last July, Turkey and the United Nations brokered a deal between Moscow and Kiev to avert a food crisis threatened by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Ukraine is one of the largest grain exporters in the world.
In May, Russia agreed to a two-month extension but said the deal would expire if no consensus was reached on Russia’s grain and fertilizer exports.
‘Impossible’
The Joint Coordination Center in Istanbul – which monitors the wheat deal – had previously announced that it was “impossible to set up an inspection plan before June 1”. This would be a result of the Russian delegation’s refusal to admit incoming vessels. This was reported by a Ukrainian spokesman.
In May, for example, only one ship was admitted, according to Ukraine, a serious violation of the grain treaty. Russia has not commented on the low figure and has declined to comment on the allegations.
“Unreasonable Restrictions”
Ukrainian officials say Russia has acted “unreasonably” since mid-April, significantly reducing the effectiveness of the grain deal. In total, fifty vessels are still at anchor in Turkey’s territorial waters, which have been there for more than three months. There are about 2.4 million tons of Ukrainian food products on board.
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The Ukrainian ministry also criticized the Russian blockade of Odessa’s largest port, Pivdennyi, which is not covered by the grain deal. Russia has previously denied any form of responsibility but has called on all parties to release the shipment of Russian ammonia so it can be exported.
Source: BNR
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