Ukraine declares that it will not agree to the extension of the grain agreement on current terms

The grain agreement has expired, and the Russian Federation has not yet agreed to its extension. At the same time, Ukraine declares that it will not extend the agreement on the current terms, as the Russian Federation constantly blocks ship inspections.

According to the Ministry of Reconstruction, for almost a year, while the grain agreement was in effect, Ukraine exported more than 33 million tons of agricultural products to 45 countries by sea. According to the SCC, 11 grain ships were inspected in July, and the average number of inspections was 1.3 ships/day, while in September-October 2022 it reached 10-11 ships/day. Starting from June 28, 2023, not a single vessel called at the ports of Ukraine, therefore exports from the Black Sea ports in June decreased to 2 million tons, and in July will not exceed 0.5 million tons.

The Deputy Minister of Infrastructure of Ukraine Yu. Vaskov said that the country's authorities will not agree to the extension of the grain agreement on current terms and only for 120 days, as it is ineffective for farmers and exporters. If the agreement is not extended for 240 days, then Ukraine will move to alternative scenarios.

One of them is the continuation of work with Turkey and the UN without the participation of the Russian Federation. The authorities of Ukraine have offered to provide the necessary information for any vessels entering the Black Sea to ensure that they do not carry cargo other than those declared. If Turkey and the UN do not agree to such conditions, Ukraine will consider the issue of isolated operation of the grain corridor, but so far there is no detailed explanation of how it will work.

Earlier, the Verkhovna Rada allocated UAH 20 billion to the fund, which will guarantee payments to foreign ship owners in case of damage to the vessel or goods. This may contribute to the continuation of the grain corridor without the participation of the Russian Federation.

If the fleet of the Russian Federation dares to attack foreign merchant vessels entering the ports of Ukraine, then the Russian military sailors can be considered pirates, which, according to the norms of international maritime law, will put all vessels flying the flag of the Russian Federation in an awkward position.