Zelenskyy: Ukraine, Turkey and UN to continue with the Grain Initiative
Ukraine will continue to take part in the Black Sea Grain Initiative, an agreement brokered by the UN with Russia and Türkiye launched on 22 July to enable ships to transport grain from Ukraine.
Source: Interfax-Ukraine, citing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a press briefing with Petr Fiala, Prime Minister of the Czech Republic
Details: Zelenskyy recalled that the Grain Initiative comprises two agreements, the first one of which has been signed by Ukraine, the UN and Türkiye.
"Neither of these three subjects have expressed any disagreements or want to suspend the Grain Initiative. That’s why we will continue doing what we’ve agreed to do," the Ukrainian President said.
The second document was signed by Russia, Türkiye and the UN. Zelenskyy said that neither Türkiye nor the UN have violated the agreement as neither of them is interested in creating a famine in African or Asian countries.
"Obviously if Russia says that it is withdrawing from the Grain Initiative, it means it is withdrawing from the agreement concluded between those three parties. This means that Russia is violating the agreement," Zelenskyy explained.
"I am certain, and let’s all believe, that the partners will be able to tone down Russia’s narrative. From our side, we will continue with the Grain Initiative, because we understand that with it we bring stability to the world, to the global food market," he summed up.
Background:
- Vasily Nebenzya, Permanent Representative of Russia to the United Nations, said that Russia will not recognise grain export agreements without its participation.
- On Monday, 31 October 12 vessels carrying 354,500 tonnes of agricultural products on board sailed from the Ukrainian ports of Odesa, Chornomorsk and Pivdennyi to countries in Africa, Asia and Europe after Russia "suspended" the Grain Initiative.
- The United Nations, Türkiye and Ukraine agreed on a movement plan for 16 vessels that are in Turkish waters for Monday, 31 October, two days after Russia suspended its participation in the Black Sea Grain Initiative.
- On 29 October Russia said that it was suspending its participation in implementing the Grain Initiative, allegedly because of the "terrorist attack" in Sevastopol Bay on the morning of the same day.
- Dmytro Kuleba, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, said that Russia made up a contrived reason in order to exit the Grain Initiative; he urged the world to put pressure on Russia to stop playing "hunger games" and resume carrying out its duties and responsibilities.
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