KYIV: Ukraine’s President Zelensky discussed the “unblocking” of the Black Sea grain corridor with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg on Saturday after Russia exited a vital agreement to ensure the safe passage of vessels.
Ukraine President Says Discussed ‘Unblocking’ Black Sea Grain Corridor with NATO Secretary General
“We shared valuations of the ongoing situation in the Black Sea and the risks it poses for international food security,” President Zelensky said on his social media account after a telephone call with the NATO chief. “We also identified with NATO Secretary General the priority and future measures necessary for unclogging and sustainable operation of the Black Sea grain corridor.”
Earlier, the UN warned on Friday of escalating military actions in the Black Sea after Moscow said its Navy had conducted a live fire drill there, having declared that vessels traveling to Ukraine would be considered possible military targets. Officials said Russian troops struck the Black Sea port of Odesa for a fourth night in a row, hitting grain stores.
Speaking to the UNSC, a senior representative for political affairs, Rosemary DiCarlo, said: “Threats to attack civilian ships in the Black Sea are not acceptable.” In a statement, regional governor Oleg Kiper said, “The Russian forces attacked Odesa with cruise missiles from the Black Sea.”
Russia targeted local grain stores and “destroyed hundred tons of peas and twenty tons of barley,” Kiper said, saying two people were wounded.
UN chief Antonio Guterres said the effect of such assaults went well beyond Ukraine. In a statement, Guterres said they were already seeing the negative impact on global food prices, which hurts everyone, but particularly vulnerable individuals in the global south.
Moscow pulled out of a United Nations (UN) agreement on Monday that ensured safe passage for grain consignments crossing the Black Sea.
