Starting on the 14th in october 2022, Russian inspectors assigned to the Joint Coordination Center in Istanbul significantly extend the control of vessels headed to Ukrainian ports for grain loading or already loaded and on their way to their destination ace. As a result, more than 165 vessels got stuck in the queue near the Bosporus Strait and this number is still growing daily.

There is reason to believe these moves are politically motivated. Recently, the Russian leadership tried to challenge the grain corridor without any legitimate reasons and demanded new benefits in exchange for Moscow’s agreement to renew the agreement.

Russia’s actions undermine global food security. Extended controls have already prevented Ukraine from exporting 3 million tons of grain. 10 million people around the world did not get food in time because of Russia’s actions.

We call on the international community, especially African and Asian states that depend on Ukrainian grain exports to demand that Russia immediately halt these artificial delays during grain corridor vessel checks. We must not allow the Kremlin to hold millions of people hostage in its hunger games.

Ukraine also asked the secretariat of the Joint Coordination Center to quickly solve Russian delays, among other things by increasing the number of inspectors in the Bosporus Strait.

We remain committed to working closely with the United Nations and Turkey to ensure the uninterrupted operation of the Black Sea Grain Corridor.