Volodymyr Zelensky, President of Ukraine, has cautioned the world. It was ‘too early’ to celebrate grain shipments under a Turkey- bordered and United Nations deal.
The first ship loaded with grains left the port of Odessa after a long haul from February. The Russian naval base has blocked the critical trade routes of the Black Sea so that Ukraine is not able to export food grains and other essentials.
Why is it ‘too early’ to celebrate the grain shipments?
Zelensky addressed that that was a critical time. It was too early to draw any conclusions and make forecasts for the near future because of unprecedent times. He said that they were in a “wait and watch” situation. It was because hey needed to see if the agreement really worked. Whether security was guaranteed in its true essence as promised during the agreements was also paramount.
The long five and half month halt of exports from the “breakfast basket of the world” has hit the entire world. It led to skyrocketing prices and record rates of inflammation which has added much to the pains of countries making recovery from COVID-19 crisis.
The first Razoni cargo ship, registered in Sierra- Leone, is carrying twenty six thousand (26,000) tonnes of maize. It will travel through a special corridor through the Black Sea.
Other cargo ships of wheat and sunflower seeds are said to follow suit. The agreed formalities of the maritime corridor will be respected for all convoys.
This comes after a month since Ukraine and Russia signed a trade pact- the first treaty of accord since the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
This step is said to augment countries in curbing the soaring prices of wheat as well as cooking oil. It will also stall away the possibility of recession in some major European economies. This is the first rays of hope after long months of destruction and gloom.
