Ukrainian grain corridor operating for 6 months: Export volumes named
Minister of Development of Communities, Territories and Infrastructure of Ukraine Oleksandr Kubrakov (photo: Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
Over 22 million tons of goods of various nomenclature have been exported since the start of operation of the temporary corridor through the Black Sea. More than 700 vessels have used it since August, states the Minister of Development of Communities, Territories and Infrastructure of Ukraine Oleksandr Kubrakov.
"More than 22 million tons in six months is not the limit. Modernization of both the ports themselves and the accompanying infrastructure - the network of highways and railways - with the proper safety component will allow to increase the volume by at least a quarter", - said Kubrakov.
He also noted that transshipment comes from three ports of Great Odesa - Chornomorsk, Odesa and Pivdenny.
"At night, they were again attacked by Russian drones. Unfortunately, we have damage to the transshipment infrastructure and destroyed grain," the minister said.
In general, according to the minister, since July 18 (the last day of operation of the "grain corridor", - ed.) as a result of the attacks of the Russian Federation on the seaports of Ukraine, almost 200 port infrastructure objects were damaged, and more than 26 civilians were injured.
"At the same time, the port authorities are recovering quite quickly. Today I saw it with my own eyes. Not only that, they are increasing the volume of transshipment every day. This, as well as the prospects of functioning, were discussed at meetings in three key ports of Ukraine," said Kubrakov.
Oleksandr Kubrakov in Odesa
Oleksandr Kubrakov in Odesa
Oleksandr Kubrakov in Odesa
"Grain Corridor"
In mid-July 2023, Russia withdrew from the "grain deal", which allowed the export of Ukrainian grain through the Black Sea. After that, Ukraine decided to resume exports without renewing the participation of the terrorist country. The Russians are trying in every possible way to hinder the operation of the "grain corridor", including attacks on ports and infrastructure.
Already in August, Ukraine opened temporary corridors for civilian merchant vessels. The routes are primarily intended for the departure of ships that have been in Ukrainian ports since the beginning of the war.
As the Minister of Community Development, Territories and Infrastructure of Ukraine, Oleksandr Kubrakov, said, as of December 4, 200 ships had already passed through the temporary corridor. They exported more than 7 million tons of cargo from Odessa ports. Now this number is much higher.
