Halting Black Sea Grain Corridor Due to Russian Menace
Ukraine reluctantly hit the brakes on operations in its strategically significant new Black Sea grain corridor. According to the Kyiv-based consultancy, Barva Invest, this drastic action was necessitated by perceived threats emanating from Russian military aircraft. The consultancy disclosed via the digital communication platform, Telegram, that the ongoing suspension commenced on October 26, with chances of possibly stretching beyond the original timeframe.
Reaching Ukrainian officials for reactions to the sudden development proved challenging. Additionally, it was revealed that the asset had been in an inactively motorcade for a couple of days following military advice linked to a surge in Russia’s military aviation activity in the vicinity.
From Putin’s Desk: Kinzhal Missiles over the Black Sea
Russian President, Vladimir Putin had earlier made directives that Russian planes armed with Kinzhal missiles should keep a vigilant watch over the Black Sea. This order arguably bears a direct influence on the current operational halt in Ukraine’s corridor.
The Odyssey of Corridor: From Humanitarian Route to Grain Highway
Initially rolled out in August as a humanitarian lifeline for en-route ships to Asian and African markets, the corridor had become an alternate passage following a virtual blockade of the Black Sea. This blockade was triggered after Russia withdrew from an agreement that was set up to secure Kyiv’s marine exports amid conflict time.
A high-ranking agriculture official later designated the corridor as a staple transport route, pressing it into service for grain shipments. As per data from Ukrainian officials and shipping stakeholders, upwards of 40 cargo vessels have used the conduit thus far, ferrying a staggering 1.5 million metric tons of cargo out of Ukrainian seaports. The load was predominantly moved by grain, oilseed, vegetable oils, and meals.
Ukraine’s Optimistic Forecasts for Food Exports Amid Crisis
This week, agricultural producers from Ukraine projected that the alternate route could pave the way for the monthly export of up to 2.5 million tons of food. The volume nearly counteracts the fallout from Russia’s unexpected exit from a United Nations-brokered deal.
Avouching Ukraine’s tonnage expectations, first deputy farm minister, Taras Vysotskiy voiced estimations that grain shipments through the corridor in October might outrun the one-million-ton mark.
