Despite the blockade of the Black Sea, 4 ships with non-food products have already passed through the humanitarian corridor established by Ukraine to evacuate ships from the ports of Greater Odesa. Denys Marchuk, Deputy Chairman of the Ukrainian Agri Council, explains whether the humanitarian corridor can become an alternative to the Black Sea grain initiative.

"I would like to consider the humanitarian corridor as a new alternative. Ukraine is trying to ensure the world's food security, to export, and to do so without Russia's participation in the Black Sea grain initiative. Thanks to the military, it was possible to develop a humanitarian logistics route from Ukraine to Romania and Bulgaria, with further movement of ships to the Bosporus. Confirmation of the departure of four ships is an indicator that Ukraine is ready to continue working for export, and it is possible to organize the movement of ships that could be filled with grain and other crops. It cannot be that the Black Sea has turned into the internal waters of Russia and the aggressor country dictates who can pass through the sea. Thanks to the Armed Forces of Ukraine, we see resistance to the enemy and opportunities for exports and trade via the Black Sea routes," said Denys Marchuk.

New talks are expected in the near future on a possible extension of the grain deal.

"We expect important diplomatic talks this week. The meeting between the Presidents of Turkey and Russia is long-awaited. It is difficult to comment on whether sanctions will be eased for Russia.  Any concessions are an encouragement to the aggressor to invest in the war. It is in the interests of the world to resume the grain initiative on the same terms as before, otherwise Russia's "appetite" will grow. Reducing sanctions is unacceptable. The Ukrainian Armed Forces are currently demonstrating a new humanitarian corridor. If Ukraine received more weapons, it would be able to establish exports via the Black Sea without Russia," believes the UAC Deputy Chairman.

This week, the EU will also discuss the possible extension of bans on imports of Ukrainian agricultural products to a number of countries.

"There are no prerequisites for extending the bans. But Poland and Hungary can extend them unilaterally. Ukraine has already proposed a way out of the situation - to provide funds to compensate for additional transportation costs of carriers to supply Ukrainian grain to more remote European ports, which are currently underutilized," added Denys Marchuk.