More than five months after the start of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, the first ship with Ukrainian grain for other countries has now passed the most dangerous stage. The freighter "Razoni" passed the Bosphorus Strait, which runs through Istanbul, on Wednesday after sailing through the Black Sea. After an inspection by both warring parties, which also included experts from Turkey and the United Nations, the journey continues to Lebanon. Other ships are to follow.
The "Razoni" left the Ukrainian Black Sea port of Odessa on Monday. Ukraine and Russia had previously reached an agreement on the export of grain in lengthy negotiations. The freighter first had to be guided along a safe corridor through mined waters. Before entering the Bosphorus, experts went on board and checked the ship. This should also ensure that no weapons are loaded.
Many more ships await
According to the Ukrainian government, 17 already loaded ships are currently waiting for permission to take the same route. At the end of July, the war opponents Ukraine and Russia signed an agreement with Turkey separately with Turkey through the mediation of the United Nations in order to enable grain exports from Ukraine from three ports. This also marked the establishment of the control center in Istanbul.
The US welcomed the safe passage of the "Razoni" through the Black Sea, but also warned that this could only be a first step. The further implementation of the agreement is "of crucial importance in order to improve food security in the world," said the State Department in Washington. Other governments made similar statements.
Before the Russian war of aggression, Ukraine was one of the most important grain exporters in the world. The deliveries should make millions of tons of grain available again for the world market. The food is urgently needed, especially in Asia, Africa and the Middle East. For Kyiv, it is also about revenue in the billions.
Freighter "Razoni" on Marinetraffic
