Cargo vessels defy blockade to deliver grain to Ukrainian ports amid tensions with Russia
KYIV, Sept 16 – In a bold move, two cargo vessels have entered the Black Sea ports of Ukraine, becoming the first ships to use a temporary corridor to load grain destined for African and Asian markets. This comes as tensions between Ukraine and Russia continue to rise.
Deputy Prime Minister Oleksandr Kubrakov announced that the bulk carriers “Resilient Africa” and “Aroyat” are en route to Ukrainian ports to load nearly 20,000 tons of wheat. This marks a significant development as these vessels are the first to navigate the temporary corridor that was established to release trapped ships and bypass Russia’s de facto blockade on Ukrainian grain exports.
Ukraine, being a major global food producer and exporter, aims to utilize the corridor for its own food exports. The country’s Agriculture Ministry revealed that the wheat will be shipped to Egypt and Israel.
The United Nations, though not directly involved in the movement of the vessels, expressed support for these efforts to resume normal trade. A UN official, speaking anonymously, told Reuters, “We welcome all efforts for the resumption of normal trade, especially of vital food commodities that help supply and stabilize global food markets.”
The reopening of shipping lanes in the Black Sea is seen as a test of Ukraine’s ability to counter Russia’s attempts to reimpose its blockade. Moscow abandoned the grain deal in July and has since launched frequent drone and missile attacks on Ukrainian grain export infrastructure.
The initial grain deal was brokered by the U.N. and Turkey in July 2022 to address the global food crisis exacerbated by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Both Ukraine and Russia are major players in the global grain export industry.
In recent days, tensions between Ukraine and Russia have escalated further, with Ukraine launching sea drone and missile attacks on Russia’s Black Sea naval fleet in and around the Crimean peninsula, which Russia annexed from Ukraine in 2014.
The arrival of these cargo vessels signifies Ukraine’s determination to maintain its position as a key grain exporter and its efforts to overcome the challenges posed by Russia’s aggression. The successful delivery of the wheat to African and Asian markets will not only bolster Ukraine’s economy but also contribute to stabilizing global food markets.
Reporting by Pavel Polityuk, Olena Harmash, and Michelle Nichols; Editing by Ros Russell