Zelenskyy proposes continuing Black Sea Grain Initiative without Russia

Ukraine has proposed to Türkiye and the UN that the grain corridor under the Black Sea Grain Initiative should continue to function without Russia, which withdrew from the agreements on Monday.

Source: President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in his nightly address

Details: Zelenskyy stressed that Ukraine did not sign any agreements with Russia, and that the grain exports agreement was signed with Türkiye and the UN.

Quote: "The Black Sea Grain Initiative can and should keep operating – if [that has to be] without Russia, then without Russia. The agreement on the export of grain – this is an agreement with Türkiye and the UN – remains valid. The only thing that is needed now is its careful implementation – and decisive pressure from the world on the terrorist state."

More details: Zelenskyy announced that he has sent official letters to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and UN Secretary General António Guterres proposing that the Black Sea Grain Initiative or its equivalent should continue in a trilateral format.

Quote: "Ukraine, the UN and Türkiye can jointly ensure the operation of the food corridor and the inspection of vessels. This is necessary for everyone in the world."

Background:

• On 17 July, the Russian president’s press secretary Dmitry Peskov announced the suspension of the Black Sea Grain Initiative. Russia also announced the withdrawal of the shipping security guarantees under the Black Sea Grain Initiative, which ceased to be in effect on Monday, 17 July.
• At the same time, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said he believed that the Russian president actually wanted to extend the so-called Black Sea Grain Initiative and would talk to him about it.

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