Lavrov blames Ukraine for grain blockade

Ukraine cannot currently export grain via the Black Sea ports. Russia’s Foreign Minister Lavrov blamed Ukraine itself for this: He believes deliveries are possible if the port accesses are demined.

In the dispute over the blockade of Ukrainian grain in Black Sea ports, Russia has denied responsibility. During a visit to Turkey, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov blamed Ukraine itself for this. After a meeting with Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu in Ankara, he said that they have so far refused to clear their ports or otherwise allow cargo ships to pass through.

Lavrov said they were ready to provide safety guarantees for ships loaded with grain. “We are ready to ensure the safety of ships leaving Ukrainian ports.” This could happen “in cooperation with our Turkish colleagues”. Referring to Ukraine, the Russian foreign minister added: “If now – as our Turkish friends tell us – it is ready either to clear mines or to ensure passage through minefields, then we hope that this problem will be solved.”

“A little problem”

The meeting did not bring any concrete results, such as the establishment of a security corridor. Cavusoglu said Turkey supports a UN plan that involves all three countries. However, the governments in Kyiv and Moscow still have to agree to this.

The Turkish minister described the Russian demand that participation in the implementation of the UN plan must result in a relaxation of international sanctions as legitimate. “If we need to open up the world market for Ukrainian grain, then we see the removal of barriers to Russian exports as a legitimate demand,” he said.

Lavrov downplayed global concerns about hunger crises. The problem with the export of Ukrainian grain is classified by the West as a “universal catastrophe”, even though the Ukrainian share of the world production of wheat and other grains is less than one percent. Lavrov later added: “There have never been any obstacles from our side to solving this problem – it’s really a small problem, it’s small. If the Kiev authorities mature, we will be only too happy to cooperate.”

According to Kyiv, 25 million tons of grain blocked

Russian President Vladimir Putin recently promised Ukrainian grain ships free passage through the Black Sea. For this, however, sea mines would have to be removed off cities like Odessa. The Ukrainian government, which does not trust Moscow’s promises of safe passage, does not want to risk that.

Shortly before Lavrov’s and Cavusoglu’s meeting, the Odessa regional administration had rejected calls for demining for fear of Russian attacks. “As soon as the access to the port of Odessa is cleared of mines, the Russian fleet will be there,” spokesman Serhiy Brachuk said in a video message on the online service Telegram. Once the mines have been removed, Russia will “want to attack” Odessa, and it “dreams of” parachuting soldiers there.

In fact, the Russian Navy has been blockading the Ukrainian Black Sea ports since the start of the war of aggression against the neighboring country more than three months ago. As a result, Ukrainian exports of wheat, sunflower oil, fertilizer and other goods cannot be processed as usual. According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, up to 25 million tons of grain are currently stockpiled. According to him, the number could rise to 75 million tons in autumn.