Turkey Proposes "Safe Shipping Route in Mine-Free Areas of the Black Sea"... Will Grain Exports Resume?

by Lee Hyunwoo

Published 16 Jun.2022 14:40(KST)

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine blocked grain export routes through the Black Sea, worsening hunger in Middle Eastern and African countries, the Turkish government has proposed opening safe shipping lanes in areas free of naval mines.

On the 15th (local time), according to AFP, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevl?t ?avu?o?lu said at a press conference, "It will take a long time to remove mines from the existing routes around Ukraine's Odesa port," and proposed, "Let's open safe routes in areas without mines." He added, "We know the locations of the mines, and we can open safe routes in mine-free waters around three ports, including Odesa," emphasizing, "Trade ships will be able to come and go without removing the mines."

Turkey's proposal is interpreted as a concrete follow-up to the United Nations' earlier suggestion to establish maritime corridors for Ukrainian grain exports. Turkey has been mediating negotiations between Ukraine and Russia to resume grain exports and continues to offer compromise plans. However, Russia insists that mines must be removed first, while Ukraine demands that warships withdraw first, resulting in a deadlock without agreement.

Russia shifts responsibility to Ukraine, stating that implementing Turkey's proposal depends entirely on Ukraine. Vasily Nebenzya, Russia's ambassador to the UN, said, "Russia is not responsible for opening safe routes, but if routes are opened, we can ensure safe passage." He added, "Ukraine must remove the mines it laid or guarantee routes that bypass mined areas."

As bilateral negotiations stall, food supply shortages are worsening, especially in extremely poor Middle Eastern and African countries heavily dependent on Ukrainian and Russian grain. With export routes for over 20 million tons of grain blocked within Ukraine alone, international grain prices are soaring.

The United Nations is pressuring both Ukraine and Russia to expedite negotiations to resume grain exports. UN spokesperson St?phane Dujarric emphasized, "The UN is working closely with Turkish authorities on this matter," and added, "Progress requires the consent of both Ukraine and Russia."