[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] Grain exports via the Black Sea route, which had been temporarily halted due to Russia's unilateral declaration of suspension of the agreement, have resumed. Ukraine, the United Nations, T?rkiye, and other parties to the agreement reiterated that the grain export route must not be cut off, noting that Russia was also notified of the matter.
According to AFP on the 31st (local time), Oleksandr Kubrakov, Ukraine's Minister of Infrastructure, stated on Twitter that "two grain export ships have departed from Ukraine" and "including these, 12 ships are scheduled to depart today." Marine traffic information provider MarineTraffic also confirmed that two grain export ships, 'Admiral de Rivas' and 'Mount Baker,' departed from Ukraine.
Kubrakov also explained that the United Nations and T?rkiye (Turkey) will send 10 inspection teams to examine 40 grain export ships. He added, "Ukraine has approved this inspection plan, and Russia has also been notified." Earlier, Ukraine's Ministry of Infrastructure reported on the 29th that the departure of 218 ships had been blocked following Russia's declaration of suspension of participation in the agreement.
The Joint Coordination Center (JCC), which coordinates grain export operations through the Black Sea, confirmed plans for 12 Ukrainian ship departures and 4 arrivals on the same day, and stated that ship inspections have been underway since the morning at the Bosporus Strait in Istanbul, T?rkiye.
Amir M. Abdulla, the UN coordinator for the Black Sea Grain Initiative, emphasized on Twitter, "Civilian cargo ships must never become military targets or hostages. Food must continue to be transported."
Ismini Palla, the UN spokesperson for the JCC, told Bloomberg in a phone interview, "Although Russia temporarily suspended participation in the agreement, it remains a signatory party. According to the agreement, all parties have agreed not to attack civilian merchant ships."
Earlier, Ukraine and Russia signed an agreement on July 22 under the mediation of the United Nations and T?rkiye to guarantee the safety of the Black Sea route, which had been blocked since the war, allowing both countries to export grain and fertilizer. The agreement was originally valid for 120 days until November 19, with the possibility of extension. However, on the 29th, Russia unilaterally declared suspension of participation in the agreement, accusing Ukraine, supported by the UK, of attacking the Black Sea Fleet and civilian ships in the Crimean Peninsula with 16 drones.
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