Russia blocks Ukrainian grain exports: 90 vessels await inspection

Ukraine's Ministry of Communities, Territories and Infrastructure Development reported this.

“The Russian Federation has once again effectively stopped the Grain Initiative by refusing to register vessels for entry and conduct inspections. This approach is completely contrary to the terms of the current agreement,” the report says. 

As of May 8, 90 vessels are awaiting inspection in Turkish waters, 62 of which are being loaded.

It is reported that exports of Ukrainian agricultural products via the grain corridor in April did not reach 3 million tons.

“Russia's destructive policy makes it impossible to draw up an inspection plan in accordance with the JCC procedures, which provide for daily approval by all parties of the inspection plan for both outbound and inbound inspections,” the ministry said.

Ukraine calls on its partners, the UN and Turkey to respond.

• On April 26, Russia once again blocked the Black Sea grain corridor. As a result of the blockade, ships were unable to leave Ukrainian ports.

• The next day, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan had a telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, during which they discussed Ukraine and the grain deal. Erdogan stated that the grain deal should be extended, but Putin responded by saying that “Russia is concerned about Turkey's proposal.”

• The US State Department believes that the whole world will benefit from the full operation of the grain deal, which allows Ukrainian food to be exported through the Black Sea.

• The Turkish Defense Ministry said that talks between the deputy defense ministers of Ukraine, Russia and Turkey on the grain deal were scheduled for May 5.