Ukraine’s Naval Forces To Receive Warships To Bolster Black Sea “Grain Corridor” Security

International partners are preparing to provide Ukraine’s Naval Forces with warships to bolster security along the Black Sea “grain corridor” and ensure the safe passage of commercial vessels carrying food products.

President Volodymyr Zelensky made this announcement at a joint press conference with the governments of Switzerland, Latvia, and Lithuania.

Zelensky highlighted the cooperation with multiple states and their strong endorsement of the “grain corridor.” He disclosed that these allies are giving Ukraine naval cutters to bolster its ability to protect ships travelling the vital trade route.

Half a million tons of grain have been successfully transported in the first 1.5 months of the “grain corridor” operation, according to the head of state of Ukraine.

Insurance agreements have been established with the UK, as well as contracts with Bulgaria, Romania, and Turkey related to the corridor.

In response to worries about possible Russian disruptions, Zelensky stated that he was confident that Russia’s influence on the corridor is minimal and that measures are being taken to thwart any attempts to obstruct the crucial trade route.

President Zelensky announced in a separate statement at the Grain from Ukraine conference in Kyiv that warships from allies will soon arrive to bolster security around the Black Sea. He emphasised the significance of preserving the Black Sea grain corridor while highlighting the agreements made.

One of the year’s significant accomplishments, according to President Zelensky, was building the grain corridor without the involvement of Russia. Vice Prime Minister Olha Stefanishyna announced the creation of this autonomous trade route in the Black Sea, claiming that Ukraine had provided the corridor and freed grain vessels.

A special insurance fund to support the operation of the corridor is part of the United Kingdom’s contribution.

The grain agreement between the UN, Turkey, and Russia had ended, and the Ukrainian Navy had previously announced new, temporary routes for civilian vessels in the Black Sea.

Russian sea mine placement was one of the concerns raised by intelligence reports from the UK regarding possible attacks on civilian ships transporting grain from Ukraine.

Ukraine affirms that the temporary corridor for the transit of civilian vessels to and from the ports of Odesa will continue to operate despite obstacles.

The Russian occupiers in Crimea are reportedly signalling a strategic change in control over the Black Sea, reportedly moving Black Sea Fleet ships to the port of Novorossiysk.

On November 2, President Zelensky announced that Russia was progressively losing control over the area and withdrawing to the eastern part.

Reference- ukrinform.net, The New Voice of Ukraine

Ukraine’s Naval Forces To Receive Warships To Bolster Black Sea “Grain Corridor” Security appeared first on Marine Insight – The Maritime Industry Guide

Source: Maritime Shipping News