Russia has blocked 50 ships with Ukrainian grain – Borrell

At least 50 ships carrying Ukrainian grain have been blocked by Russia in the Black Sea. This was reported on Twitter by the head of the EU diplomacy, Josep Borrell.

“The consequences of this war affect us all. Russia is once again blocking 50 ships with much-needed grain in the Black Sea. The EU supports the UN efforts and will continue to facilitate exports through the Solidarity Corridors, which have allowed the delivery of 25 million tons of grain,” Borrell said.

In turn, US Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget Brink accused Russia of trying to suppress the Ukrainian economy and slow down the flow of food instead of complying with the terms of the grain deal.

“More than 50 ships are now waiting in the Bosphorus for permission to sail to Ukrainian ports to load grain to feed the needy. Russia is trying to suppress the Ukrainian economy and slow down the flow of food instead of honoring the terms of the agreement,” the ambassador wrote on Twitter.

She reminded that last month vital wheat was sent to Yemen. This shipment was funded by USAID, Spain and France.

“This grain can feed 4 million people, demonstrating how the Black Sea Grain Initiative allows Ukrainian farmers to feed the world,” the ambassador said.

As a reminder, on March 18, Ukraine, the UN and Turkey agreed to extend the grain deal for 120 days, while Russia said it was ready to comply with the agreement for 60 days and put forward five requirements for the Black Sea Initiative to be extended.

On March 29, the Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food announced that Ukraine could approach pre-war levels of wheat exports to countries in need thanks to the “grain initiative.”

Recently, the Polish government banned imports of agricultural products from Ukraine to protect the Polish agricultural market. Hungary has also temporarily banned imports of grains, oilseeds and some other agricultural products from Ukraine.

Tags: Ukraine, export, grain