UKRAINE: Ukraine has declared a “humanitarian corridor” in the Black Sea to free cargo ships detained in its ports since the war began. This move marks a new test of Russia’s de facto blockade, as Moscow reneged on an agreement to allow grain transport in Kyiv. The corridor will initially apply to container ships impounded in Ukrainian ports since February 2022, which were not included in the previous agreement.
Russia’s attempt to reimpose its de facto blockade after abandoning the grain accord could test Ukraine’s ability to reopen maritime channels. Ukraine suggested routes to the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) for civilian ships anchored in the Ukrainian ports of Chornomorsk, Odesa, and Pivdenny since the full-scale Russian invasion began on February 24, 2022.
The Ukrainian navy plans to allow vessels with confirmed readiness to sail through routes, despite hazards from mines and military threats from Russia. The corridor will be transparent, with cameras on ships and a broadcast showcasing the humanitarian mission’s purpose. The Ukrainian Navy’s spokesperson, Oleh Chalyk, confirmed the transparency of the plan.
Over 60 commercial ships have been stranded at Ukrainian ports since Russia’s invasion, leaving their future uncertain. The cancellation of the grain export agreement in July has led to Ukrainian workers helping maintain the vessels.
Russia has declared that ships approaching Ukrainian ports will be treated as armed vessels and Ukrainian allies in a conflict. Ships approaching Russian or Ukrainian ports under Russian control have also prompted threats from Kyiv.
Russia’s withdrawal from the UN grain agreement could worsen the global food crisis, particularly for impoverished nations, according to the UN. Moscow claims that it will only rejoin the grain trade if better terms are offered for its own exports of food and fertilisers.
President Putin is expected to be persuaded to rejoin the pact by Turkish President Erdogan, a co-sponsor of the agreement.
Ukraine’s foreign minister Dmitro Kuleba believes President Erdogan is the only person to convince President Putin to resume the Black Sea Grain Initiative.
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