Ukraine resumes grain export from 3 black sea ports

Odessa, Jul 28: The Ukrainian navy said operations have resumed in the ports of Odesa, Chernomorsk, and Pivdennyi in relation to the deal to continue grain exports. They said ships would be traveling in convoys for safety. 

 

 

"Military and civilian specialists carefully search for underwater objects and install special means of navigation equipment that will help the safety of navigation," the navy said on social media.

 

 

In a statement, the Ukrainian navy said, "The main thing was, is, and will be the safety of navigation." In addition to the reopening of ports, a joint coordination center for Ukrainian grain exports formally opened in Istanbul as part of an UN-backed deal. Ukraine's Black Sea ports have been closed since Russia began its invasion on February 24, helping keep already rising global food prices at unusually high levels. Hulusi Akar, the Turkish defense minister, who was present at the center's opening, said, "The staff working at this center are aware that the eyes of the world are upon them," adding, "It is our hope that the center will make the greatest contribution possible to humanitarian needs and peace."

 

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The joint coordination center staff will be comprised of civilian and military officials from both Russia and Ukraine as well as delegates from Turkey and the UN. Their primary task will be to monitor the safe passage of Ukrainian grain ships along established routes and oversee inspections to ensure ships are not carrying banned weapons as they move into and out of the Black Sea.