The Grain Initiative Halted Again: Russia Blocked the Registration of Incoming Fleets to All Ports in Ukraine

The Joint Coordination Center (JCC) in Istanbul has announced the inability to formulate an inspection plan for June 1 due to the Russian delegation's groundless refusal to register incoming fleets for participation in the initiative.

On May 30 and 31, Russia only registered one incoming vessel for inspection at the Port of Chernomorsk without explanation, while other parties to the JCC confirmed 10 vessels to three ports for participation in the Black Sea initiative.

Russia's obstructive stance and the absence of registered vessels for inspection have made it impossible to develop an inspection plan for today, which has been communicated to all parties by the JCC Secretariat.

There are currently 50 vessels waiting in line for inspection in Turkish territorial waters, intended to be loaded with 2.4 million tons of food for the world. This amount is almost double what was exported in May. Some vessels have been waiting for JCC inspections for over three months, resulting in losses exceeding 1 billion and impacting the final cost of food for the world.

Once again, Russia has found a way to limit global food supplies by blocking the registration of new incoming fleets and obstructing the largest port of Pivdennyi, which is a blatant violation of the terms of the Grain Initiative that the aggressor country also agreed to.

The Ukrainian delegation has sent a letter to the JCC Secretariat demanding the restoration of full-time work, consisting of three inspection teams and nine inspections per day, in accordance with JCC procedures. Ukrainian inspectors are currently present at the JCC and are prepared to commence work immediately upon the restoration of ship registration.

We hope that our initiative partners will find a solution and put an end to Russia's global blackmail. The World Food Market has already acknowledged the importance of the Grain Initiative, and the international community should not remain silent.

It should be noted that over the course of ten months of the Grain Initiative's operation, more than 30.5 million tons of products from Ukrainian farmers have been exported. The Russian delegation's sabotage and deliberate slowdown of work have persisted for seven months, resulting in the world missing out on at least 20 million tons of food.

IC UAC according to the Ministry for Communities, Territories and Infrastructure Development of Ukraine