Ukraine reports that work has begun at three ports to create “green lanes” for grain exports.
A representative for the military administration of Odessa stated that naval crews will construct routes from the southern ports of Odessa, Chornomorsk, and Pivdennyi.
Once the routes are defined, Ukrainian naval boats would lead “caravans” of ships into the Black Sea, according to Serhiy Bratchuk.
Last week, Kiev and Moscow reached an agreement to enable grain shipments.
Under the agreement, which was negotiated by Turkey and the United Nations, Russia undertook not to attack ports while grain was in transit, and Ukraine agreed to steer cargo ships through mined waterways.
However, less than twenty-four hours after the agreement was reached, two Russian missiles hit a port in the city of Odessa, throwing the pact into disarray.
According to Russia, the objective of the attack was a Ukrainian naval vessel anchored in the harbor.
President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine stated that the strike demonstrated that Moscow cannot be relied upon to adhere to the agreement and accused Russia of “barbarity.”
According to Interfax, on Wednesday morning, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrei Rudenko warned that the news might collapse if impediments to Russian agricultural exports are not lifted.
Despite the uncertainties, Mr. Bratchuk stated that Ukraine intends to adhere to the agreement and will fulfill its responsibilities despite the possibility of a Russian “attack.”
He stated that military and civilian personnel will “carefully look for underwater objects and install unique navigational aids to improve navigational safety.
In Istanbul, Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar has launched a joint grain coordination center.
The center, staffed by Ukrainian and Russian authorities as well as Turkish and UN observers, will supervise the safe passage of Ukrainian warships entering and exiting the Black Sea and search them for weaponry.
Mr. Akar told reporters, “The employees at this facility are conscious that the eyes of the world are upon them.” Our objective is that the center will make the largest possible contribution to humanitarian needs and world peace.
Mr. Akar stated that Ukraine and Russia produce around one-third of the world’s wheat supply.
Mr. Zelensky has cautioned that this number could increase to 75 million tonnes following this year’s harvest, where it already stands at 20 million tonnes.
Elsewhere, a fierce battle has continued in Ukraine, as a counteroffensive started by Kiev in the south continues to face stiff resistance.
Officials established by Russia in the seized city of Kherson stated that a Ukrainian artillery strike severely damaged the Antonivskiy Bridge, forcing its closure.
Anton Gerashchenko, a senior adviser to Mr. Zelensky, stated that the attack “dealt another significant blow to one of the two bridges used by the invading forces for huge troop transfer.”
Russian forces have relied on it to resupply troops west of the river, as it is one of only two crossings over the Dnipro river near Kherson.
In an attempt to isolate Moscow’s soldiers, Kyiv has been heavily bombing the bridge in recent days.
Sergiy Khlan, a senior Ukrainian official, stated that the region will be liberated “absolutely by September” as a result of the counter-offensive.
However, according to the British Ministry of Defense, Ukraine likely experienced setbacks elsewhere.
