Turkey Detains Russian Cargo Ship Accused of Stealing Ukrainian Grain... Ukraine Hopes for Grain Seizure

Entry Ban by Turkish Authorities... Detention Status
Russia Seems Pressured to Resume Negotiations for Grain Exports

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] Turkish authorities have reportedly detained a Russian-flagged cargo ship suspected of looting Ukrainian grain at the request of the Ukrainian government. The Turkish government, which had been reluctant to take action against Russian cargo ships until now, is interpreted as detaining the vessel to pressure Russia in hopes of resuming grain exports.

According to the Associated Press on the 3rd (local time), Turkish customs prohibited the Russian-flagged cargo ship 'Zibek Zoli' from entering the Karasu port in Turkey and detained it in waters about 1 km from the port. The ship is known to have been requested for detention by the Ukrainian government on the 30th of last month, accusing it of stealing Ukrainian grain.

In an interview on the same day, Vasyl Bodnar, Ukraine's ambassador to Turkey, stated, "The fate of the Russian cargo ship will be decided after an investigative committee meeting on the 4th," emphasizing, "Ukraine hopes the grain will be seized." The vessel is reported to be carrying 4,500 tons of Ukrainian grain.

Russian news agency TASS also reported that the Zibek Zoli arrived at Karasu port on the 1st but was denied entry and is currently waiting, awaiting unloading permission from authorities. Citing sources from Karasu port authorities, TASS reported, "The Russian cargo ship is waiting for unloading permission from the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Trade and Transport. However, permission has not yet been granted," adding, "For this reason, the ship is anchored near the port."

The Turkish government has faced criticism from Western countries and the international community for not taking any significant action regarding the entry of Russian ships transporting looted Ukrainian grain. According to Bloomberg News, Turkish authorities have explained that they cannot conduct thorough inspections even if Russian ships falsify their origin registrations.

However, as the blockade of Black Sea grain exports has prolonged and food issues have worsened across the Middle East and within Turkey itself, it is analyzed that Turkey has shifted its stance. Bloomberg News reported that amid ongoing negotiations to resume grain exports between Ukraine and Russia under the mediation of Turkey and the United Nations, Turkey has detained the cargo ship to pressure Russia, which has continuously refused to reach an agreement.