The functioning of the humanitarian grain corridor in the Black Sea is constantly disrupted by artificial obstacles because of Russia. Recently, Russians blocked 29 ships with Ukrainian grain in Turkey. Can Russia really withdraw from the grain agreement?

"Since November 2022, Ukraine has been held hostage by Russia's constant statements about withdrawing from the grain agreement for various fictitious reasons. This is still going on. The grain deal was extended until July 18, and the closer we get to that date, the more actively Russia is promoting its terms and trying to bargain them away from the international community. We expect the Istanbul Agreement to be extended for another 120 days, but we cannot exclude pauses in the operation of the humanitarian corridor in July and August. But there will not be a long break in the grain agreement, as the world is dependent on Ukrainian food supplies. The UN has already made a statement that untimely deliveries of Ukrainian products will lead to higher food prices and may increase hunger in needy countries. We hope that the ports of Greater Odesa will continue to operate," explained Denys Marchuk, UAC Deputy Chairman.

The Black Sea Grain Initiative is not only about food, it is about world security.

"The issue should be considered not only within the framework of the Istanbul Agreement, but from the standpoint of safety on the Black Sea traffic. The world should be tougher and not bargain with Russia, instead support the Armed Forces of Ukraine with weapons and possibly organize a military convoy for commercial ships in the Black Sea," the UAC Deputy Chairman considers.

Plan B, the development of alternative logistics, remains relevant for the export of Ukrainian products.

"Ukraine's 'Plan B' is the work of the Solidarity Roads, i.e. the maximum use of the Danube river ports with further access to the sea through Romania, railways and road routes to the EU. The Danube ports have already handled record volumes of 3 million tons. We need to deepen the mouth of the Danube so that ships with a carrying capacity of more than 20,000 tons can enter the river ports. We are currently moving towards transshipment, when exchanges will be unloaded directly onto large ships. All these efforts will enable Ukraine to export agricultural products," added Denys Marchuk.