Ukraine Ready to Continue Grain Supplies Despite Russia's "Grain Deal" Collapse

Ukraine is prepared to continue grain shipments despite the breakdown of the "grain deal" by Russia. President Volodymyr Zelensky made this statement in an interview with African media, as quoted by his spokesperson, Sergiy Nikiforov.

"Even without Russia, we should do everything possible to use this Black Sea corridor. We are not afraid. Companies that own ships have approached us. They said they are ready to continue grain supplies if Ukraine releases and Turkey allows the passage," stated the Ukrainian President.

He reminded that no agreements were signed between Ukraine and Russia, and with Russia's withdrawal from the Black Sea Grain Initiative, they have "broken their commitments with UN Secretary-General Guterres and President Erdogan."

"I have instructed our Ministry of Foreign Affairs to prepare official signals to the United Nations and Turkey, once we receive an official signal from the Russian Federation, so that they respond to me as the President of Ukraine, confirming their readiness to continue our initiative," added Zelensky.

Earlier today, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov announced the suspension of the "grain deal."

In response, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed his belief that the Russian President genuinely wants to continue the so-called "grain deal" and mentioned plans for a phone call with Putin to discuss it. Erdogan stated that he doesn't want to wait until August, when Putin's visit to Turkey is expected.

This is not the first instance of Putin's "Grain Blackmail." The previous attempt in early June failed, and the "grain corridor" was extended for an additional 60 days.

Previously, the EU considered the possibility of succumbing to the blackmail and making concessions to the Russian bank in exchange for the "grain deal." It involved establishing a subsidiary company for the sanctioned "Rosselkhozbank" and restoring its SWIFT connectivity.

President of the European Council, Charles Michel, described the Russian termination of the "grain deal" as a threat to global food security.

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, condemned Russia's termination of the "grain deal," despite efforts by the UN and Turkey.

"I strongly condemn Russia's cynical step to terminate the Black Sea Grain Initiative, despite the efforts of the UN and Turkey," said von der Leyen.

The German federal government has called on Russia to continue the "grain deal."

The Black Sea Grain Initiative has already entered history as a major diplomatic success, facilitating the transportation of over 33 million tonnes of grains from Ukraine to African countries, preventing food shortages in many nations, despite Russia's ongoing aggressive war in Ukraine since February 2022.