The Kremlin says it will allow grain to be transported from the ports of Berdyansk and Mariupol when the coast is safe.
The Russian Minister of Defense stated today that the Ukrainian ports of Berdyansk and Mariupolwhich have been occupied by Russian forces, have been cleared of mines and are ready to resume grain shipments.
“The demining of the port of Mariupol has been completed. It operates normally and has welcomed its first merchant ships “he stated Sergei Shoiguin comments broadcast on television.
Agricultural exports from southern Ukraine have been blocked since Russia invaded the country in late February, leading to rising grain prices.
Ukraine has accused Russia of stealing vital grain supplies – allegations that US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken has called it “credible” – while Moscow says Western sanctions are to blame for the situation, which threatens to spark a global food crisis.
Shoigu also said today that the Russian armed forces had set up “The necessary conditions for the full restoration of the railway connection between Russia, Donbass, Ukraine and Crimea” and has begun delivering cargo to the Ukrainian cities of Mariupol, Berdyansk and Kherson.
The creation of a “land corridor” between Russia and the Crimean peninsula, annexed by Moscow in 2014, has been an important part of Russia’s strategy since its offensive began.
According to Soigu, 6,489 Ukrainiansmembers of the army, have surrendered to Russian forces since the start of what Russia calls a “special military operation”, including 126 people in the past five days.
At the same time, the Kremlin said Ukraine needed to demine access points to its ports before the Russian military could allow ships to export grain.
“(President Vladimir Putin) has stated: Ukraine must demine access to its ports,” he said. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peshkov in a teleconference with journalists.
“This will allow ships, once controlled by our army, to enter ports, load grain and, with our help, proceed to international waters.”
