MoD allows no vessel movement to ports of Big Odesa ouside of Ukraine grain corridor: UGA President Gorbachov

The Ministry of Defence of Ukraine does not allow vessels to enter the ports of Big Odesa outside the framework of the grain deal, expiring on July 17, said the President of Ukrainian Grain Association Mykola Gorbachov.

“It is option B. It includes the Danube ports and additional financial instruments that will allow us to insure ships calling at Big Odesa for those companies willing to ship this grain directly outside of the grain deal. But currently, the Ministry of Defence is not giving us this option,” he explained.

From left to right: Ukraine’s Deputy Minister responsible for seaports and maritime Yurii Vaskov, President of Ukrainian Grain Association Nikolay Gorbachov, Kernel CEO Ievgen Osypov at the UGA’s Grain Club held in Kyiv, Ukraine. June 2023. Latifundist.com / Konstiantyn Tkachenko

Yurii Vaskov, Ukraine’s deputy minister responsible for seaports and maritime, added that the grain corridor in no way limits the alternative scenario. It only establishes specific coordinates for the movement of vessels when the four parties have confirmed that it is safe.

“If you’re referring to the operation of deep-water ports outside the grain corridor, then all the agencies responsible are working on this issue. As for the guarantee fund, it has been adopted. The amendment to the state budget has been adopted, and the government has a procedure for using this fund, but I am not ready to answer about the specific timing of the launch, because this is not only a matter for our ministry,” commented Yurii Vaskov.

Earlier this month, putin’s spokesman, dmitry peskov, announced that the grain deal has no chance and that moscow sees no reason to extend it.

Tags: UGA, war, Black Sea grain corridor