UK ambassador calls on russia to adhere to “grain agreement” and stop burning Ukrainian grain

British Ambassador Melinda Simmons called on russia to adhere to the "grain agreement" and stop burning and misappropriating Ukrainian grain.

Simmons wrote about this on Twitter.

"This is such an important step, but it is a first step. russia now needs to honor their side of this deal and let grain ships pass safely. And they need to stop burning and appropriating Ukrainian grain," the British ambassador noted.

As reported, the first Razoni ship with unblocked Ukrainian grain left on August 1 from the Odesa port to the Lebanese port of Tripoli. Twenty-six thousand tons of Ukrainian corn are on board the dry cargo that will move through the security corridor.

The export will occur within the "grain agreement" between Ukraine, russia, Turkey, and the UN. Control over the maritime corridor's work and the operation's security is entrusted to the coordination center in Istanbul.

"Today, Ukraine, with its partners, is taking another step towards preventing world hunger. Unblocking the ports will provide at least $1 billion in foreign exchange earnings for the economy and an opportunity for the agricultural sector to plan next year's sowing. We are grateful to the partners who, despite the difficulties, did not stop the work on preparing for export. For its part, Ukraine has done everything to restore the operation of ports and all involved enterprises.

In the ports of great Odesa, 16 more ships are already waiting for their turn. These vessels have been blocked since the beginning of russia's full-scale invasion. At the same time, we will receive applications for the arrival of new ships for loading agricultural products. In the coming weeks, with the support of our partners, we plan to reach the total capacity of transshipment of farm products," said Minister Oleksandr Kubrakov.

On July 22, in Istanbul, at the suggestion of the United Nations, Ukraine, Turkey, and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres signed the Initiative for the safe transportation of grain and food from the Ukrainian ports of Odesa, Chornomorsk, and Pivdennyi.

russia's Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu signed the agreement with Turkey and the UN on behalf of russia. The agreement does not provide for the escort of transport by russian ships and the presence of russian representatives in Ukrainian ports.

The very next day after signing the agreement, russia violated it by shelling the port of Odesa. It was condemned by the UN, the EU, and the US. Ankara called on the parties to fulfill the reached agreements.

Minister of Infrastructure Oleksandr Kubrakov commented on the shelling of the Odesa port, carried out by the occupiers resorted to on July 23. According to him, navigation through the Black Sea will continue as planned. However, Ukraine can stop the export of grain through the Black Sea. Such a decision may be made if there are any threats from russia in the water.

Read Rubryka's daily timeline of war: current news on Ukraine's defense against russia's aggression.