The inspection of vessels carrying grain from Ukraine restarted after a pause that threatened to shut down the Black Sea grain corridor. This information from the Russian foreign ministry was shared by Reuters on Tuesday, April 18. The Guardian also confirms the reports, citing its own sources.
A Russian official claimed that Ukraine failed to observe agreed procedures but said the issue has been resolved. The passage of vessels carrying grain allegedly depended on both weather and the observance of the procedures, he said.
At the same time, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken states that Russia is breaking its promises to countries around the world that are dependent on grain that has not been able to get out of Ukraine over the last few days.
Blinken said this on Tuesday in a news conference at the conclusion of the Group of Seven (G7) foreign ministers meeting in Karuizawa, Japan.
Context. On Monday, April 17, Kyiv said that the initiative brokered by the UN that allows the safe Black Sea export of Ukrainian grain was in danger of shutting down after Russia blocked inspections of participating ships in Turkish waters.
It remains unclear if the grain deal, in place since July 22 of last year until March 18, 2023, will be renewed. Russia complains that another agreement, aimed at facilitating its own agricultural and fertilizer exports, has not been upheld.
The Turkish government is working to extend the Black Sea grain initiative.
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