Ukraine Opens Corridors for Merchant Ships in the Black Sea

Ukraine has initiated the opening of corridors for civilian merchant ships operating in the Black Sea, although military authorities still caution about potential threats posed by Russia.

The Ukrainian Navy announced on Thursday, Aug. 10, the establishment of new temporary traffic routes for civilian vessels to and from Black Sea ports.

The routes are situated within the context of ongoing military threats and the persistent risk of mines planted by the Russian Federation.

Previously, Ukraine had proposed these navigation routes in an appeal to the International Maritime Organization (IMO). Acknowledging Ukraine’s right to unrestricted merchant shipping, the IMO Council called upon Russia to adhere to international conventions and desist from endangering merchant vessels in the Black Sea.

The specified routes cater primarily to the departure of civilian vessels located in Ukrainian ports such as Chornomorsk, Odesa, and Pivdenny, a provision that has been in place since the commencement of Russia's full-scale invasion.

The Ukrainian Navy emphasized that passage through these routes will be granted to vessels whose owners or captains officially affirm their preparedness to navigate under the prevailing conditions.

The last shipment of Ukrainian grain departed from the port of Odesa on July 16. Following Russia’s withdrawal from the Black Sea Grain Initiative, Russian forces attacked the port’s grain infrastructure, aiming to keep Ukraine’s agricultural products from reaching global markets.

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These measures were "aimed at [ensuring] security in the areas adjacent to the threatened zones," said Poland’s Operational Command.

Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba mentioned in an interview with Corriere della Sera that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan holds the potential to reinstate the grain agreement. Nonetheless, Ukraine is actively seeking alternative export routes in light of the current situation.

“I believe he [Erdogan] can [restore the grain agreement]. We are aware that Turkish diplomacy maintains ties with Russia. Meanwhile, we’re actively establishing alternative channels for exporting wheat and other goods without relying solely on Black Sea routes,” the Ukrainian Minister of Foreign Affairs said.