Traces of explosives found on foreign grain ship, says Russia
As per media reports, President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russia of intentionally targeting grain export infrastructure in the southern Ukrainian port of Odesa during a second night of strikes. He expressed concern that such actions were endangering vulnerable nations. As a response, Kyiv called upon other countries in the Black Sea region to step in and ensure the safe passage of cargo ships.
The recent closure of the sea route that Ukraine uses to export grain to North Africa and the Middle East has sparked concerns among European neighbouring countries about the potential influx of inexpensive grain flooding their markets, AFP reported earlier. Last year, when Moscow launched its campaign in Ukraine, Black Sea ports were initially blocked by warships until a UN and Turkey-brokered agreement was reached. However, on Monday, the Kremlin announced its decision to withdraw from the deal.
This decision came after months of complaints from Russia, stating that a related agreement that permitted the export of Russian food and fertilizers had not been respected or upheld. The Black Sea Grain Initiative was facilitated by the United Nations and Turkey in July 2022, aiming to address the global food crisis exacerbated by Russia's invasion and blockade of Ukrainian ports. As part of the efforts to persuade Russia to accept the continuation of the Black Sea deal, a three-year memorandum of understanding was established.
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