29 vessels that are supposed to export 1.4 million tons of food mainly for 5 countries in Asia and Africa, including China, Egypt, Bangladesh, Turkey, are blocked by Russia in the territorial waters of Turkey.
29 vessels that are supposed to export 1.4 million tons of food mainly for 5 countries in Asia and Africa, including China, Egypt, Bangladesh, Turkey, are blocked by Russia in the territorial waters of Turkey.
In June, only 2 million tons were exported from Ukrainian ports. Another 1 million tons of food is either being loaded or already partially loaded on 13 vessels — the last ones registered with the Initiative. If the registration of ships is not restored, the Grain Agreement will be completely stopped.
In 11 months, 45 countries received 32.5 million tons of food. The world did not receive an additional 25 million tons due to Russian sabotage. But even with these indicators, according to the UN, it was possible to reduce world food prices by 22%. This is direct evidence that the world needs a grain deal.
We support the statement of the Joint Coordination Center that all parties to the agreement must immediately ensure the access of vessels for the export of food, because this creates a food hazard for the entire world market. Only by joint efforts can the world stop Russia’s food blackmail.
We call on the partners of the Agreement and all countries of the civilized world to defend their right to food. Ukraine, for its part, will also defend the right to free commercial navigation, which is recorded in international conventions.
