Russian President Vladimir Putin has stated that Russia is considering exiting the grain deal, which is set to expire on July 17. According to him, the grain corridors are actively being used by Ukraine to launch unmanned sea vessels.
«We are considering exiting the grain deal, especially since these corridors, through which ships pass, are constantly used for launching unmanned, sea-based drones,» he said.
However, the grain corridor has not been functioning for a long time due to Russia’s blockade on the registration of incoming fleets in Ukrainian ports. Over 50 vessels carrying 2.4 million tons of food await inspection in Turkish waters, with some waiting for over three months.
Losses have reached one billion dollars, and the Port of Yuzhny is completely halted. Russia has set conditions: restrictions on vessel passage will not be lifted until Ukraine unblocks ammonia exports.
Ukraine intends to conduct shipments without Russia’s participation and offers insurance guarantees to companies. May has been the worst month for agricultural exports in the past nine months, with the decline attributed to problems with the grain corridor. Demand for Ukrainian corn has decreased, leading to a drop in prices by 3-5 dollars per ton.
