Russia on Wednesday blamed Ukraine and the United Nations for problems with inspections of ships transporting grain in the Black Sea, causing a blockade in the shipment of more than a million tons of grain.
“Currently at the Joint Center in Istanbul [da Iniciativa dos Cereais do Mar Negro] Problems have been reported with registering new ships and carrying out inspections,” Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said.
According to Russia, these problems arise “only as a result of the actions of Ukrainian representatives, as well as UN members, who are apparently unwilling or unable to solve them.”
Zakharova stressed that Russia has proposed adding ships to the list of allowed ships to serve countries most in need, especially African countries, and those who have been waiting for grain shipments for more than a month.
According to the Russian spokeswoman, Ukraine reacted with hostility.
Maria Zakharova emphasized that “the Ukrainians first blocked the registration process and then stopped all inspections, including of departing ships [dos portos ucranianos]. There are 27 ships with 1.2 million tons of cargo on board.”
All ships exporting grain from Ukrainian ports must be inspected by Turkish water specialists on both entry and exit.
“As a result of these actions, the percentage of recipients of Ukrainian food in needy countries has fallen to the minimum level. Of the 28.3 million tons of grains exported, only 742,000 or 2.6 percent” reached their destination, the port voice denounced.
Zakharova lamented that Europe and the United States are accusing Russia of breaking its promises to supply grain to countries most in need and blocking 50 ships in the Black Sea.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres wrote to Ukraine, Russia and Turkey on Friday to express concern over problems in implementing the agreement.
The so-called Black Sea Grain Initiative includes maritime checks of cargo by UN, Russian, Ukrainian and Turkish officials to ensure that only food – not weapons – is being transported. The Cereals Initiative alleviated the global food crisis and was part of the impact of the global rise in food prices following the Russian military offensive in Ukraine, which began on February 24 last year.
Source: DN
