Zelensky was speaking during his visit to the port of Chornomorsk. He was accompanied by representatives from the G7 nations
Ukraine’s first batch of grain shipment is ready and is waiting for the signal to leave port, said President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday. He was visiting the port of Chornomorsk, a week after a UN-led agreement to resume grain exports. Zelensky’s visit to the port was mainly to convey that Ukraine’s ports are ready, the President’s press service claimed. So far, Russia’s blockade of Ukrainian ports has led to a food crisis due to grain shortages and rising prices.
Western Diplomats Accompanied Zelensky to Chornomorsk
A week before Zelensky’s visit, Russian cruise missiles struck the port of Odesa. According to The New York Times, this was to upend a UN and Turkey-brokered deal to allow Ukrainian exports. “ Our side is fully ready,” said Volodymyr Zelensky. “We’ve given our partners, the UN and Turkey, the signal, and our military will guarantee security,” he added. Soon a group of western diplomats went to Chornomorsk. They along with Ukrainian Minister of Infrastructure Oleksandr Kurbakov pressed Russia to abide by the deal. “It was possible that the shipments could get underway as early as Friday”, he said. Soon Zelensky joined them as they stood in front of the Turkish-registered ship Planet.
“Millions of people around the world are waiting for grain to come out of this and other Ukraine’s sports”, said Brigitte Brink, the American ambassador to Ukraine. Brink made her first trip to Odessa yesterday. “ It’s important for Russia to live upto its commitment and allow this grain to be exported”, she added.
Turkey-UN Trying to Establish Standard Procedures for Grain Transportation
According to BBC, while UN-Turkey’s attempt at the resumption of Ukraine’s exports is significant, it is akin to testing waters. They are yet to unlock a safe supply route. The New York Times says that the operation has multiple moving components and several parties involved, including Russia. Meanwhile, Ukraine, Russia, Turkey, and the UN are still working out important elements. Turkey opened a joint coordination center on Wednesday. Authorities there are trying to establish standard operating procedures, including monitoring, inspection, and emergency response, said Ismini Palla, a UN official.
There are teams still working out on safe routes and corridors for in-bound vessels.“ Once all those elements are in place, then we will start seeing the first movements. The ultimate goal is to ensure the safe passage of commercial vessels,” Ms. Palla added.
Anthony Blinken and Sergei Lavrov Speak about Grain Shipments
Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov spoke to each on Friday. It was the first time these two leaders spoke since the war began. Mr. Blinken said he had a frank and direct conversation with Mr. Lavrov, telling him to allow grain exports.
“ I urged Foreign Minister Lavrov to move forward with that proposal. I’m not going to characterize his response. I cannot give you an assessment of whether I think things are any more or less likely”, he said. On the other hand, the Russian side said Mr. Lavrov suggested a return to “quiet diplomacy” without “speculative information campaigns”. Does this mean Russia silently concedes to some resumption of Ukrainian exports?
Only time will tell. Meanwhile, the port of Chornomorsk currently has 17 ships berthed with 60,000 tonnes on cargo on board. They wait for a green light and a safe passage. Currently countries like Egypt, Indonesia, Bangladesh and Turkey import wheat from Ukraine. This can be a reason why Turkey is playing a role in the resumption of Ukrainian exports.
(Inputs, BBC, New York Times, Time)
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