After Russia unilaterally halted the grain deal, the freighters again left the Ukrainian ports. Russia declared that there was no longer any guarantee of their security in the Black Sea.

Despite Russia’s suspension of the international grain agreement, twelve freighters carrying agricultural products have sailed from their ports on the Ukrainian Black Sea coast. This was announced by the Ministry of Infrastructure in Kyiv. Russia was reported to have resumed deliveries of the ship.

UN inspects and confirms release

Based on previous agreements, the cargo will initially be landed in international waters by Ukrainian ships. Then they walk down an aisle that the parties agreed on in July. A United Nations spokesman said inspections of cargoes agreed under the agreement had resumed. A first ship has already been cleared to proceed.

Ship tracking services VesselFinder.com and MarineTraffic.com also showed that several freighters had started moving. According to the United Nations, the ships included the wheat-laden African Robin, the soybean-laden cargo SK Friendship and the pea-laden Sealock.

According to the United Nations, the ships had departed from Ukrainian waters in the direction of the Black Sea Corridor protected by agreement with three other carriers. Ukraine’s Ministry of Infrastructure also named a ship named “Ikaria Angel” which sails on behalf of the United Nations World Food Programme. 40,000 tonnes of grain cargo is destined for Ethiopia.

Russia: no longer a guarantee of security

On Saturday, Russia indefinitely suspended a Turkish and UN-mediated agreement. This was justified with drone strikes on ships of the Russian Black Sea Fleet in Russian-occupied Crimea.

Russia said it could no longer guarantee shipping safety in the affected areas. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said it was therefore risky for Ukraine to continue exporting grain to the Black Sea. Under these conditions, such an agreement can hardly be enforced – “and it takes on a different character – much riskier, more dangerous and without guarantees.”

Turkey announces talks with Russia

The European Union and the US sharply criticized Russia’s actions. France’s agriculture minister said his country was examining whether it would be possible to export food from Ukraine through underground routes as an alternative to Poland and Romania. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said his country would continue efforts on grain exports.

Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar plans to call his Russian counterpart Sergei Shoigu soon. Grain exports from Ukraine should continue, Aker said, according to his ministry. He is also in touch with Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov. “The suspension of this initiative will benefit no one,” but affects the whole of humanity, Akar said.

Ukraine accused Moscow of seeking only excuses for the long-planned measure. UN coordinator for the grain deal Amir Abdullah said on Twitter: “The food must flow.” Civilian cargo ships should never be taken to military bases or taken hostage.

Millions of Tons exported so far

The agreement ended months of blockade of Ukrainian grain exports as a result of the Russian invasion and was intended to allow exports through a protective corridor into the Black Sea. Moscow has repeatedly criticized the fact that Western sanctions are slowing its own grain and fertilizer exports.

Ukraine and Russia are among the world’s largest grain exporters. Many developing countries depend on the supply of basic food items at low prices. The aim of the agreement was to moderate the rise in global grain prices. Since then, several million tons of corn, wheat, sunflower products, barley, rapeseed and soy have been exported from Ukraine.