Ukraine's Foreign Ministry expects Turkey to prevent Russia's attempts to export grain without restoring Ukrainian grain corridor

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs made this comment in response to reports of Russia's attempts to establish grain exports in the Black Sea without resuming Ukrainian grain exports.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs recalls that after withdrawing from the Black Sea Grain Initiative, Russia began systematically destroying the infrastructure of Ukrainian ports and grain storage facilities with missile strikes. The Ministry explains that such actions were intended to make it impossible to further export Ukrainian grain by sea, reduce supply on global markets and raise food prices for its own benefit.

"Considering the possibility of supporting Russia's grain exports in the Black Sea without resuming exports of Ukrainian grain from Ukrainian ports would be a serious blow to international obligations and international law, encourage Moscow to further aggressive actions and strengthen its sense of impunity," the statement said.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reminds that Ukraine, as one of the guarantors of global food security, is interested in the resumption of the Black Sea Grain Initiative and is actively working to launch alternative routes.

"The Black Sea must remain accessible for free and secure commerce," the ministry said.

The Foreign Ministry notes that it is counting on Turkey's help to prevent Russian blackmail.

"In this context, we expect that Turkey, which has repeatedly affirmed its inviolable position regarding the preservation and strict observance of international law, along with other involved parties, will use their authority to thwart Russia's attempts to violate international obligations and blackmail the world with new food crises," the statement said.

Operation of the 'grain corridor'

On July 17, Russia announced the termination of the grain deal. In response, Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that it was necessary to continue using the grain corridor even despite Russia's withdrawal from the agreement. 

On July 30, despite the completion of the grain deal, three civilian cargo ships of foreign origin passed the Russian blockade in the Black Sea and anchored in one of Ukraine's grain ports in the Danube Delta.

Southern African countries are trying to convince Russia to return to negotiations on an agreement on the safe export of grain from Black Sea ports, which it abandoned last month. 

On August 2, the United States said it had information that Russia was interested in resuming negotiations on the agreement, which ensured safe Black Sea grain exports.

Erdogan also announced an agreement with Putin on a visit to Turkey to discuss the extension of the grain deal.

On August 9, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced his intention to resume the grain deal with an “expanded scope” and called on Western countries to “fulfill their promises”.

On August 10, the Ukrainian Navy announced a temporary humanitarian corridor for merchant ships sailing to and from Ukrainian ports.

On August 16, the first vessel left the port of Odesa after Russia announced that it will terminate the grain deal on July 16, 2023.

On August 26, the second vessel left the port of Odesa after Russia announced the termination of the grain deal on July 16, 2023