According to Russia’s defence minister, the Russian-seized Ukrainian ports of Berdyansk and Mariupol have been de-mined and are ready to begin grain supplies.
“The de-mining of Mariupol’s port has been completed. It is functioning normally, and has received its first cargo ships,” Sergei Shoigu said in televised comments.
Since Russia invaded Ukraine in late February, agricultural shipments from the south have been halted, driving grain prices up.
Ukraine has accused Russia of stealing essential grain supplies, which US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has described as “credible,” while Moscow blames Western sanctions for the problem, which has threatened to trigger a worldwide food tragedy.
The United Nations is working on plans with Kyiv and Moscow for how to restart grain exports from Ukrainian ports, with Turkey possibly set to provide naval escorts to ensure safe passage out of the Black Sea.
