Russia has once again blocked Black Sea grain corridor

This is reported by the Naval Forces of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

"On April 26, the Black Sea grain corridor was once again suspended by the Russian side. Thus, on April 25, at the Joint Coordination Center (Istanbul), Russian representatives refused to agree on the movement of ships to/from Ukrainian seaports along the humanitarian corridor operating under the Black Sea Initiative for the export of grain and related foodstuffs by sea," the report reads.

As a result of the blockade, four ships were unable to leave Ukrainian ports, including the AKDENIZ-M, which was supposed to deliver wheat to Ethiopia as part of the UN food program.

Also, one vessel is waiting for passage to Odesa in the area of Sulina.

The ships are forced to wait an additional time for the passage to be approved.

In addition, the press service denied the information about the alleged ban on the movement of merchant ships to and from Odesa ports by the Ukrainian Navy.

"We emphasize that Ukraine is strictly fulfilling all its obligations under the Black Sea Grain Initiative and is making every effort to maintain and expand exports of grain and related food cargo by sea in the interests of our country," the Navy said.

According to the UN, as of April 25, 28.9 million tons of agricultural products were shipped from Ukrainian ports to countries in Africa, Asia and Europe via the Grain Corridor.

• Earlier, the Russian Defense Ministry accused Ukraine of violating the grain deal, saying that Ukrainian drones allegedly attacked Sevastopol using grain corridors.

• On March 14, the Russian Foreign Ministry proposed extending the grain deal for 60 days. In turn, Ukraine's Infrastructure Minister Oleksandr Kubrakov said that Russia's proposal to extend the grain deal for 60 days does not comply with the signed agreements, which provide for an extension of at least 120 days.

• UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has handed over letters to Lavrov for Putin, which refer to further actions on the grain deal.