The Ukrainian Navy has stated that in accordance with the agreement on the export of grain, three Black Sea ports of Ukraine have resumed operation.
According to the agency, after the signing of the grain agreement, which envisages the lifting of the blockade on the export of grain to Ukrainian ports, work has resumed in the ports of Odesa, Chernomorsk and “Samkhreti”. The entry and exit of ships here will be carried out on the principle of a caravan; a group of naval vessels will have a leading ship.
The agency also said that the experts from different fields are working together to achieve the final goal – the safe export of grain from Ukraine.
“In order to achieve the desired result, the specialists of the Navigation Center, the Hydrography and Hydrometeorology of the Ukrainian Navy and the Institute of State Hydrography of the Odesa Settlement are working together,” the statement reads.
According to Igor Tymchuk, a representative of the Institute of Hydrography, they are now working on navigation and hydrographic support for safe movement in the Odesa region. As a result, a safe route will be created for ships that will transport Ukrainian grain.
Ukrainian military and civilian experts are now investigating underwater objects and installing special equipment that will help in safe navigation. A hydrographic survey is also underway to determine water depth, nearest channels and recommended routes.
“Thus, as we can see, regardless of what the aggressor will do, our army continues to do its work in all directions, specifically to restore the functioning of transportation in order to avoid a global food crisis,” the statement of the agency reads.
On July 22, an agreement was signed between Ukraine and Russia in Istanbul, according to which the blockade on 3 Black Sea ports of Ukraine: Odesa, Chornomorsk and “Southern” ports, would be lifted, and the country would be able to export grain and other agricultural products. And Russia promised that it would not target the port until ships loaded with grain moved here.
This agreement was signed by the Minister of Infrastructure of Ukraine, Oleksandr Kubrakov, and the Minister of Defense of Russia, Sergei Shoigu, at the request of the United Nations and Turkey.
On July 23, Russian forces bombarded the port of Odessa. The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, said that Ukraine will start exporting grain despite the attack on Odessa.
