Significant step towards freedom in Black Sea: Zelenskyy on first passage through new grain corridor
The first ship has left Odesa through the Ukrainian corridor (Photo: Getty Images)
The first civilian ship has passed through the new Ukrainian humanitarian corridor, departing from the port of Odesa. Currently, it is heading toward the Bosporus, according to a statement from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
"Ukraine has just taken an important step towards restoring freedom of navigation in the Black Sea. The first civilian ship has passed through the new Ukrainian humanitarian corridor, departing from the port of Odesa. Currently, it is heading towards the Bosporus," stated the president.
According to the president, Ukraine had previously officially informed the International Maritime Organization (IMO) about the corridor's operation.
"The IMO once again confirmed Ukraine's sovereign rights to regulate navigation and called on Russia to cease threats and adhere to international conventions. The sea must be safe for all. This is fundamental for Ukraine and our partners. Freedom and safety of navigation are fundamental principles of international relations," emphasized Zelenskyy.
Russia's exit from the "grain deal"
In July, Russia announced its withdrawal from the "grain deal" citing alleged non-compliance with its terms. Simultaneously, the Russian military began shelling Ukrainian ports and grain infrastructure in the south of Ukraine.
Recently that Ukraine declared the opening of temporary corridors for merchant vessels in the Black Sea. However, the Ukrainian Navy emphasized that the threat from Russia persists. These routes are primarily intended for the departure of civilian ships that have been in Ukrainian ports such as Chornomorsk, Odesa, and Pivdennyi since the beginning of the conflict.
