Zelenskyy proposes using foreign vessels to export Ukrainian and Russian grain

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has proposed to several foreign leaders that vessels from their countries be used to transport Ukrainian and Russian agricultural products via the Black Sea. He did not name the leaders, while noting that, in his view, Russia is currently not ready for such a mechanism, Bloomberg reported.

Ukraine has also proposed that Russia halt mutual attacks on vessels carrying agricultural products through the Black Sea. According to Zelenskyy, Moscow has linked an end to attacks on Ukraine’s grain corridor to a demand that Kyiv stop strikes on Russian energy infrastructure.

Zelenskyy stressed that Kyiv is ready to discuss halting strikes on a reciprocal basis and separately by sector. “If we are talking about the agricultural sector, then the agricultural sector; if energy, then energy. If a full ceasefire, then a full ceasefire,” the president said.

The issue of shipping security has become particularly important amid a sharp decline in Black Sea shipments. Greater Odesa ports account for around 90% of Ukraine’s grain shipments, but since the beginning of August Ukraine has exported only about 500 thsd tons of grain, roughly one-fifth of its potential volume.

Russia is also facing export logistics problems. In early August, the three largest grain terminals in Novorossiysk suspended operations after sustaining damage. Against this backdrop, both countries are facing constraints on shipments through the Black Sea, which remains one of the key routes for global grain trade.

Meanwhile, attacks on port infrastructure continue. Russia’s Defense Ministry said it had struck the Pivdennyi port in Odesa region, while Ukraine continues strikes on Russian infrastructure. No agreement on a mutual halt to such attacks has been reached so far, while the proposed use of foreign vessels could become one option for maintaining agricultural exports through the Black Sea.