Occupiers continue to steal Ukrainian grain and take it to the Middle East – Ukrainian Intelligence

ECONOMICHNA PRAVDA — WEDNESDAY, 20 JULY 2022, 16:44

Russians in the occupied territories continue to steal Ukrainian grain and export it to the countries of the Middle East, in particular to Lebanon and Syria.

This was reported by the press service of the Chief Intelligence Directorate on Telegram.

Ukrainian intelligence has found that the Russian dry cargo ships "Matros Koshka" and "Matros Pozhynich" carrying stolen Ukrainian agricultural products planned to go to the port of Beirut, Lebanon, on 13 July.

The Russian company Crane Marine Contractor LLC (Astrakhan) is the operator of the vessels, which are carrying 54,000 tons of grain.

However, the Lebanese authorities prohibited their unloading and the Russians redirected the vessels to the Syrian ports of Latakia and Tartus.

There are also plans in future to deliver Ukrainian grain by truck from Syria to other countries of the Middle East and North Africa.

In addition, Ukrainian intelligence noted that the occupiers are trying to restore the seaport in Mariupol.

"First of all, there are plans to establish a connection with Rostov-on-Don for the export of Ukrainian metal. However, the inability of the Russians to ensure the supply of electricity for the operation of the port remains a significant problem," added the Ukrainian Intelligence Directorate.

Background:

Russian President Vladimir Putin claims that Russia will not prevent the export of Ukrainian grain in exchange for the lifting of sanctions relating to the supply of Russian grain.

The Russian invasion led to the cessation of shipments from Ukrainian ports, which had always exported a large amount of oil seed and grain. This has reduced the global food supply and caused a significant increase in prices. 

On 14 July, during a meeting of Ukraine, the United Nations, the Russian Federation and Turkey in Istanbul, the parties agreed to unblock three Ukrainian ports for the export of grain, and decided that all vessels would be inspected by the Turkish Navy.

The corridor for transporting Ukrainian grain and agricultural products through the Black Sea will start working this week, after document creating it has been signed.