An agreement was signed on the export of grain from Ukraine

Ukraine, Turkey and Russia, with the support of the United Nations represented by Secretary General António Guteres, have agreed on a 120-day grain export from the Ukrainian ports of Odessa, Chornomorsk and Pivdenny.

The parties agreed to promote safe shipping for the export of grain, related food products and fertilizers (including ammonia) from the seaports of Ukraine within the period specified by the agreement, with the possibility of its extension.

The signing of the documents took place in Istanbul today, Friday: Minister of Infrastructure of Ukraine Oleksandr Kubrakov, in the presence of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, signed a trilateral document with Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar and the UN Secretary General, who also signed a second such trilateral document with Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu.

The initiative is based on the agreements of the parties to the 1974 International Convention on the Safety of Life at Sea. In the list of clauses of the contract:

• maximum security guarantees for all vessels participating in this initiative;
• creation under the auspices of the UN in Istanbul of a joint coordinating center (JCC), which includes representatives of all parties;
• creation and work on the ships participating in the initiative of inspection groups from representatives of the parties. They will inspect vessels at ports designated by Turkey when entering/leaving the Turkish Strait to ensure that there are no unauthorized cargo or personnel on board.

In Istanbul, under the auspices of the UN, a Joint Coordinating Center (JCC) will be created, which will include representatives of Ukraine, Russia, Turkey and the UN. This center will provide general oversight of compliance with the initiative. They will create inspection teams.

All activities in Ukrainian territorial waters will be under the control and responsibility of Ukraine. The Parties undertake not to launch any attacks on commercial and civil vessels, as well as on port facilities participating in this initiative.

If it is necessary to clear approaches to ports, a minesweeper from a third country must be involved. Merchant vessels must be pre-registered with the SKC and will be under technical control for the duration of their passage through the maritime humanitarian corridor agreed by all parties.

A detailed communication and operational plan will be developed and disseminated, identifying, among other things, safe havens and medical assistance options along the route.

To exclude any provocations and incidents, the movement of vessels transiting the maritime humanitarian corridor will be remotely controlled by the parties. The text of the initiative emphasizes:

“No warships, aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) may approach the Maritime Humanitarian Corridor closer than the distance agreed by the RCC without the permission of the RCC and only after consultation with all parties.”

This agreement will be valid for 120 days from the date of signing and can be extended for a similar period automatically. Each party has the right to notify the other of its intention to terminate the initiative after the end of its term or change the conditions.

Reaching an agreement on the export of Ukrainian grain, representatives of Ukraine emphasize, does not mean a weakening of the security regime in the Black Sea, writes Interfax.

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