Status: 02.08.2022 21:22
For months there was a blockade by the Russian armed forces – now the first ship with grain from Ukraine has arrived on the Bosphorus. But the “Razoni” has not yet reached its goal.
The first ship carrying grain from Ukraine since the beginning of the Russian war of aggression has reached the Turkish coast. The ship had arrived at the Black Sea entrance to the Bosphorus Strait running through Istanbul and anchored at the assigned point, the Turkish Defense Ministry said on Twitter.
“Razoni” must undergo inspection at sea
The cargo ship “Razoni”, loaded with around 26,000 tons of corn, is to be inspected tomorrow by representatives of the UN, Russia and Ukraine, among others. This was announced by the joint coordination center. The inspection is part of the deal to allay Russian concerns. This is to ensure that no weapons are loaded.
The inspection should take place on the open sea off Istanbul, so the ship should not enter the port. After the inspection, the ship is to continue towards Lebanon – the destination is the Lebanese port of Tripoli. The cargo ship will then be unloaded there.
Moscow warns that the agreement will fail
Despite the first cargo ship that has sailed, Russia has again warned of a possible failure of the grain agreement. The agreement has a package character, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said, according to the Interfax agency. “That’s why we warn against attempts to delay or not to fulfill the second part of the package,” she said, referring to the prospect of easing some sanctions against Russia.
Agreement important for combating food crisis
On July 22, Ukraine and Russia agreed on a grain export agreement brokered by Turkey and the United Nations. In it, Kyiv and Moscow undertake to respect safe corridors for cargo ships on the Black Sea and to refrain from military activities there. The “Razoni” is the first ship to take Ukrainian grain abroad under the agreement.
With the deliveries from Ukraine should Millions of tons of grain become available again for the world market. Before the war, Ukraine was one of the most important grain exporters in the world. Billions of dollars are at stake for the country.