Ukrainian grain export agreement signed in Istanbul
OLEKSANDR SHUMILIN – FRIDAY, 22 JULY 2022, 17:19
An agreement to lift the blockade of Ukrainian ports for the export of Ukrainian grain has been signed in Istanbul.
Source: Ukrainska Pravda
Details: The document is called "Initiative on the safe transportation of grain and foodstuffs from Ukrainian sea ports". During this procedure, Ukraine has not signed any documents with Russia.
The initiative, signed by representatives of Turkey, the UN and Ukraine, must be approved by the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine and published in full. The same document was signed separately by representatives of Turkey, the UN and Russia. From the Ukrainian side the document was signed by Oleksandr Kubrakov, the Minister of Infrastructure of Ukraine. From the Russian side it was signed by Sergei Shoigu, the Minister of Defence of Russia.
According to the agreement, the sea ports of Odesa, Chornomorsk and Yuzhnyi remain under the full control of the Ukrainian side. It is forbidden for any other vessels to be in these ports except for those that are to facilitate the export of grain and associated food products and fertilisers.
The initiative does not weaken the sanctions against Russia. There can be no escort of Ukrainian vessels by Russian ships.
A Joint Coordination Centre (JCC) is to be established in Istanbul under the aegis of the UN and will include representatives of Ukraine, Russia, Turkey and the UN. The Centre will monitor implementation of the Initiative.
It will form inspection teams.
All commercial vessels that partake in this Initiative will be subject to inspections carried out by the inspection teams in the harbours determined by Turkey, at the entrance/exit to/from the Turkish strait.
All activity in Ukrainian territorial waters will be carried out under Ukraine’s jurisdiction.
No warships, aircraft or drones can come closer to the maritime humanitarian corridor than the distance established by the JCC.
The treaty will be valid for 120 days from the signature date and will be automatically extended if neither side decides to terminate it.