Zelenskyy accuses Russia of blocking Black Sea grain agreement
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Russia persists in stalling and undermining
the operation of the Black Sea “grain
corridor,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in his May 31
evening address.
The president said that during his visit to Odesa, he paid special attention to this problem.
“Special attention – to our grain corridor, security in the Black Sea,” said Zelenskyy.
“The world knows what a fundamental role our maritime grain export plays for (global) food security. And overall security in the Black Sea, the effectiveness of international law norms on navigation is a globally important security factor.”
The president added that out of the three ports agreed upon within the Black Sea grain deal, the port of Pivdennyi is “practically” blockaded.
“More than one and a half million tons of agricultural products have been accumulated in Pivdennyi alone,” he said.
“And this grain is expected in at least ten countries, including Turkey, Egypt, Bangladesh, and China. Obviously, the less food is supplied to these countries and regions, the higher the prices for food, and the more people lose from their family budgets in those countries. That is, the blockade of one port in Ukraine creates very serious risks for different nations.”
Zelenskyy also thanked those who help to increase the security in the Black Sea, those who pressure Russia to keep extending the grain deal.
The Black Sea grain agreement was reached in the summer of 2022, with the mediation of the UN and Turkey, to ease the global food crisis exacerbated by Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
On May 17, the agreement was extended for another 120 days – until July 18.
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