The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine accuses the Russian Federation of actions that led to the delay in the work of the "grain corridor" across the Black Sea.
"Starting from October 14, 2022, Russian inspectors of the Istanbul Joint Coordination Center significantly extended the inspection time of vessels bound for Ukrainian ports for grain cargoes or already loaded and en route to their final destination. As a result, more than 165 vessels were stuck in the queue at the Bosphorus Strait, and this number continues to grow every day," the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine said in a statement.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted that they have reason to believe that delays in Russian inspections of grain initiative vessels are politically motivated. Recently, the Russian leadership tried without legal grounds to question the "grain corridor", demanding new benefits for agreeing to extend the agreement.
"Russia's actions are undermining global food security. Inspection delays have prevented Ukraine from exporting an additional 3 million tons of grain," the ministry added.
