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Ukraine's grain export agreement, arbitrated by the United Nations, is at risk of collapse after a Russian bombing of a port, but the Ukrainian government said the first shipments could begin this week.
By Kim Jung-woo, staff reporter.
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Ukraine's Infrastructure Minister said, "I hope that the global food crisis will be resolved according to the UN-mediated agreement," and that the first shipment is expected to start on the 27th of this month.
"In the next two weeks, all three ports, including Odessa, will be ready to export grain," Kubrakov said.
He said that Ukraine can import and export not only grain, but also fertilizer, and that there are no restrictions on the amount of grain exported.
[Serhi Brachuk / Spokesperson for Odessa, Ukraine: We are discussing how to set up a grain-carrying vessel to implement a UN-mediated grain export deal.]
For safety reasons, a Ukrainian technical vessel will be allowed to clear the route before the merchant vessel departs. The vessel will be accompanied by a Ukrainian rescue vessel, which will be the first to sail.
Demining operations will only be carried out on routes necessary for export, Kubrakou said.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov also visited the Republic of Congo after visiting Egypt, one of the world's largest wheat importers, saying there are no problems with grain exports.
"This missile attack is far from the granaries in the port of Odessa," he said.
Russia is increasing pressure on the West by suspending some of its gas turbine turbines via the Baltic Seabed to Germany.