The work of the Black Sea grain corridor on April 26 was again blocked by representatives of Russia in the JCC in Istanbul, who refused to register vessels for movement along the humanitarian corridor to enter and exit the ports of Ukraine, the press service of the Ukrainian Navy reports.
“As a result, 4 ships, including the AKDENIZ-M vessel chartered by the UN to deliver wheat to Ethiopia, could not leave the Black Sea ports of Odesa region and were forced to wait for approval. Another vessel is awaiting permission to enter the port near Sulina”, – stated in the message.
“In addition, the Russians claimed that the movement of ships along the grain corridor was banned by the Ukrainian Navy, which is not true. Ukraine strictly adheres to its obligations under the Black Sea grain initiative and makes every effort to intensify the export of grain and other food by sea,” the Ukrainian Navy stressed.
According to the UN, as of April 25, 28.9 million tons of agricultural products were exported through the grain corridor from Ukrainian ports to Asia, Africa and Europe, including 14.5 million tons of corn, 7.9 million tons of wheat and 1.5 million tons of sunflower oil.
Last week, Türkiye resumed registration of vessels for movement along the grain corridor, despite obstruction by Russian inspectors.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, during a visit to the United States on April 26, met with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, where he discussed measures to extend the grain deal, which Russia is trying to break.