After collapse of grain deal, first cargo ships sail to Ukraine to load grains

After the collapse of the grain deal with Russia aimed at ensuring ships exporting via the Black Sea are safe, the first set of cargo ships sailed to war-battered Ukraine to load grain for African and Asian markets, confirmed a Kyiv official on Saturday (September 16).

"The first civilian ships used the temporary corridor to enter Ukrainian ports," said Deputy Prime Minister Oleksandr Kubrakov, in a statement on Facebook.

He stated that the two ships, Aroyat and the Resilient Africa, are on their way to load around 20,000 tonnes of wheat for Asian and African countries. "The vessels are under the flag of Palau," he stated. As per shipping data, the two vessels were on routes in the northern Black Sea.

ALSO READ |Russia may revive Black Sea grain deal if Putin's demands are met

“While the UN is not involved in the movement of those vessels, we welcome all efforts for the resumption of normal trade, especially of vital food commodities that help supply and stabilize global food markets," said a UN official, while speaking to Reuters.

"We continue our efforts to facilitate exports for agricultural products from both Ukraine and the Russian Federation,” he added.

Add WION as a Preferred Source

Russia's withdrawal from UN-brokered grain deal

Russia had quit the grain deal in July, one year after it was brokered by Turkey and the United Nations to guarantee safe passage for shipments of grains which sailed from Ukrainian ports, claiming that the export of its own food and fertiliser was facing obstacles and not enough Ukrainian grain was reaching the countries in need.

After withdrawing from the deal, Russia also escalated attacks on the port infrastructure of Ukraine.

The humanitarian corridor's establishment was announced by Ukraine in the Black Sea in August to circumvent the blockade of Russia. Since then, the corridor has been used by five vessels to exit ports of Ukraine.

WATCH |Black Sea Grain Deal: Turkey's Erdogan fails to convince Putin

The Black Sea grain deal was finalised with the intention of combatting the global food crisis which had worsened after Ukraine was invaded by Russia in February 2022, as per the United States. Both Ukraine and Russia are leading grain exporters.

The loading and shipping of grains are a test of the ability of Ukraine to reopen shipping lanes at a time when efforts are being made by Russia to re-impose its de facto blockade, after abandoning the grain deal in July. Frequent drone and missile attacks have been launched by Russia on the grain export infrastructure of Ukraine.

(With inputs from agencies)

You cannow write forwionews.comand be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with ushere.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE