Russia and Ukraine signed an agreement Friday allowing Ukrainian freighters to carry grain across the Black Sea again. Since the Russian occupation, Ukrainian ports have been closed by Russian warships. As a result, world grain exports from Ukraine also came to a standstill.
Ukraine is one of the world’s largest producers of grain, wheat and vegetable oil. The blockades threatened food shortages, especially in African countries. There were calls from around the world for an agreement between Ukraine and Russia to resume grain exports.
The UN said the agreement will allow “significant amounts” of food to be transported from three Ukrainian ports. These are the ports of Odessa, Chornomorsk and Yuzhne.
According to an adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, the two countries have signed separate agreements with Turkey and the UN. “Ukraine does not sign documents with Russia,” adviser says tension.
On behalf of Ukraine, Minister of Infrastructure Oleksandr Kubrakov signed, sent Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu. At the signing ceremony, the delegates did not sit at the same table.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and UN chief António Guterres were also in attendance. In recent months, the Turkish government and the United Nations have brokered an attempt to reach an agreement on grain transport.
Ships allowed to leave Ukrainian ports again
The agreement will allow Ukrainian ships to leave the country’s ports again. Seaways still need to be cleared before grain transport can resume. They were settled there by the Russians.
Grain exports will not be able to resume their full regime immediately. Some port cities in Ukraine fell to ruin after intense Russian fire.
A Ukrainian freighter is loaded with grain.
A Ukrainian freighter is loaded with grain.
Photographer: Reuters
Easing European sanctions against Russia
European sanctions against Russia will be relaxed in exchange for the release of sea routes. For example, trade sanctions that hinder Russia’s food exports will be lifted.
If Russia uses its sea routes again for war purposes, sanctions will be reinstated immediately. A United Nations Coordination Center will be established in Istanbul to fulfill all tasks. The UN calls on the two countries to respect the agreements made.
Turkey has offered to deploy the navy to inspect ships, clear mines and secure shipping routes, among other things.
About a month ago, during previous negotiations, the Netherlands also offered minehunters to create safe sea routes in the Black Sea for ships carrying Ukrainian grain.
Turkish President Erdogan hopes the deal has reached a turning point in the war. For him, the war ends at the negotiating table.
Source: NU
John Cameron is a journalist at The Nation View specializing in world news and current events, particularly in international politics and diplomacy. With expertise in international relations, he covers a range of topics including conflicts, politics and economic trends.
