The Black Sea Grain Corridor has not resumed operations – dozens of vessels are awaiting inspection

The Black Sea grain corridor designed to ensure the safe supply of Ukrainian food to world markets has not yet resumed operation despite statements by Turkey and Russia on extending the agreement, a senior Ukrainian official said on Thursday.

The deal has been extended for two more months, in what the UN secretary general, António Guterres, hailed on Wednesday as “good news for the world”, a day before Russia could have quit the pact over obstacles to its grain and fertiliser exports.

“This was announced yesterday, but so far these statements have not led to the resumption of work and the joint centre in Istanbul did not inspect vessels for entry yesterday or today,” Yuriy Vaskov, Ukraine’s deputy restoration minister, told Reuters.

“We expected it to be yesterday immediately after the statements of our partners. We are expecting the partners’ position today and believe that they will be able to resolve this issue,” he said.

He added that 62 vessels are ready for inspection and some of them have been standing by for several months.

Tags: Black Sea grain corridor