Ukraine, Russia Sign Landmark Deal To Reopen Grain Export Ports

This could ease the international food crisis aggravated by the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

The 'Black Sea Initiative,' which will enable Ukraine to export 22 millions of grain and other agricultural products, is expected to ease the international food crisis aggravated by the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

(Photo: Canva)

Amid the ongoing war, Russia and Ukraine in a landmark move signed separate agreements with Turkey and the United Nations (UN) on Friday, 22 July, to reopen Ukrainian Black Sea ports for grain exports.

The 'Black Sea Initiative,' which will enable Ukraine to export 22 millions of grain and other agricultural products, is expected to ease the international food crisis aggravated by the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

The deal makes provisions for the grain-carrying ships to undergo inspections and ensure that they are not carrying weapons. A control centre, established in Istanbul, will be staffed by UN, Turkish, Russian and Ukrainian officials to control the process.

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres termed this a "beacon of hope" for it would “bring relief for developing countries on the edge of bankruptcy and the most vulnerable people on the edge of famine," according to Associated Press.

Russia's blockade of ports in Ukraine, which is one of the world’s largest exporters of wheat, corn and sunflower oil, had trapped tens of millions of tonnes of grain. This, besides worsening global supply chain bottlenecks, led to soaring food and energy prices around the world.

The UN has been calling for the urgent lifting of blockades on Ukrainian grain-exporting ports, amid fears that the conflict will lead to an extra 13 million severely malnourished this year and 17 million in 2023.

Russia invaded Ukraine on 24 February. The war is currently focused on the Donbas region in the eastern part of the country.

(With inputs from Reuters and Associated Press.)