Zelenskyy lists "pluses" from signed grain agreement

KATERYNA TYSHCHENKO — FRIDAY, 22 JULY 2022, 22:54

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that the agreement signed on Friday on the unblocking of Ukrainian ports for grain exports fully meets the interests of Ukraine, and our country has full control over its ports.

Source: President’s evening address

Quote: "The text of the document signed today has been published, and everyone can read its points. They fully meet the interests of Ukraine."

"And now we can not only restore the operation of our ports on the Black Sea, but also keep them protected. This has been worked out with our military and with our intelligence. The military assured me of one hundred percent control of the approaches to our ports."

Details: Zelenskyy emphasised that after the signing of the agreement, about 20 million tonnes of last year's grain harvest will be exported. This year's harvest, which is already being harvested, will also be available for sale.

"We now have approximately 10 billion dollars worth of grain," he said.

Also, according to the president, there is finally a chance to prevent a global catastrophe - "a famine that could lead to political chaos in many countries of the world, in particular in the countries that help us."

In addition, Zelensky noted, the signing of the agreement is another demonstration that Ukraine is capable of withstanding a war with Russia.

He emphasised that everything in the territorial waters of Ukraine will be controlled by our state.

Quote: "And it is clear to everyone that there may be some provocations on the part of Russia, some attempts to discredit Ukrainian and international efforts. But we trust the UN. Now it is their responsibility and the responsibility of our international partners to ensure compliance with the agreements."

Background: On Friday, an agreement was signed in Istanbul on unblocking Ukrainian ports for the export of grain. 

The initiative, signed by representatives of Turkey, the UN and Ukraine, must be approved by the Cabinet of Ministers and made public in its entirety. The same document was signed separately by representatives of Turkey, the United Nations and Russia. On the Ukrainian side, the document was signed by Minister of Infrastructure Oleksandr Kubrakov. On the Russian side, the initiative was signed by Minister of Defence Sergei Shoigu.