The agreement between Ukraine, Turkey and the UN on the Black Sea Grains Initiative remains in force, so Ukraine is ready to continue the work of the “grain corridor” even after Russia withdraws from the agreement. This was stated by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on July 17 in an interview with representatives of African media, according to the press service of the head of state.
“We had two agreements: Ukraine, Turkey, the UN and another agreement – Russia, Turkey, the UN. So when Russia says it is withdrawing from the deal, it is also abandoning its agreements with UN Secretary-General Guterres and with President Erdogan. Not with us. We haven't made any arrangements with them," he explained.
At the same time, Zelenskyy stressed that Ukraine, for its part, did not break the agreements. He is convinced that the functioning of the "grain corridor" must be ensured even without the participation of the Russian Federation.
“Even without the Russian Federation, it is necessary to do everything so that we can use this corridor. We're not scared. The companies that own the ships have approached us. They have said that if Ukraine lets go and Turkey lets go, they are ready to resume grain shipments," the Ukrainian president said.
Later, in his evening address, he added that he had sent an official letter to the Turkish President and the UN Secretary-General proposing to proceed with the Black Sea Grains Initiative or an equivalent model in a trilateral format.
"Ukraine, the UN and Turkey together can ensure the work of the food corridor and inspection of ships," Zelenskyy stressed.
Source: APKinform (Ukraine)