First cargo ships visit Ukrainian port after Russia’s exit from grain deal
KYIV, Ukraine — Two cargo ships arrived in one of Ukraine’s ports over the weekend, using a temporary Black Sea corridor established by Kyiv following Russia’s withdrawal from a wartime agreement designed to ensure safe grain exports from the invaded country’s ports.
Two Palau-flagged bulk carriers docked Saturday at the seaport of Chornomorsk in the southern
Odesa region, according to an online statement by the Ukrainian Sea Ports Authority. The vessels are the first civilian cargo ships to reach one of the Odesa ports since Russia exited the grain deal.
Oleksandr Kubrakov, Ukraine’s deputy prime minister, said in an online statement Saturday that the two ships will be delivering some 20,000 tons of wheat to Africa and Asia.
For months, Ukraine, whose economy is heavily dependent on farming, was able to safely export its grain from Black Sea ports under a Un-turkey deal. But Russia withdrew from it July 17.
Following the withdrawal, the Russian Defense Ministry said it would regard any vessels in the Black Sea headed to Ukrainian ports as military targets. Russia also intensified attacks on the southern Odesa region, targeting its port infrastructure and grain silos with missiles and drones.
Also Sunday, Ukraine’s military said it captured the village of Klishchiivka from Russian troops after months of fierce fighting.
The village lies south of the Russian-held city of Bakhmut in the eastern Donetsk region, and its recapture comes days after Ukrainian forces said they liberated nearby Andriivka.
Gaining Klischiivka is an important victory for Ukraine, giving two key views: into the Russian-occupied Bakhmut and potentially allowing a better look at Russian logistic lines.