Ukraine and other countries will look for alternative options for safe grain transit through the Black Sea.
The challenge is as follows: Russia stops the grain corridor initiative and sends a signal that grain and other food products cannot safely leave Ukraine. This will have a profound chilling effect on the possibility of implementation. Because other countries, companies, shippers, etc. will be very concerned about their vessels and their personnel if Russia opposes any food exports from Ukraine.
The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, said that he is looking for ways to continue food exports:
“I have sent official letters to the President of Türkiye Erdogan and UN Secretary-General Guterres with a proposal to continue the work of the Black Sea Grain Initiative or its counterpart in a tripartite format – in the most reliable way. Ukraine, the UN and Türkiye can jointly ensure the operation of the food corridor and the inspection of vessels. This is necessary for everyone in the world,” he said in his message.
But the whole point of the agreements was to have a voluntary agreement with the participation of all interested parties, including Russia. It was approved by all participants to guarantee safety, reliability, and predictability in the movement of food from Ukraine.
At the same time, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said that he will not stop efforts to deliver food and fertilizers from both Ukraine and Russia to international markets.