First civilian vessel passes through Ukraine’s new humanitarian corridor

President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced that the first civilian vessels has passed through Ukraine’s new humanitarian corridor, leaving the port of Odesa, and is now en route to the Bosphorus.

This is said in a post on the president’s account on the social platform X (formerly known as Twitter), Ukrinform reports.

“Ukraine has just made an important step toward restoring the freedom of navigation in the Black Sea. The first civilian vessel has passed through Ukraine’s new humanitarian corridor, departing from the port of Odesa. It’s currently on its way to the Bosporus,” Zelensky said.

He reminded that earlier, Ukraine had officially notified the International Maritime Organization of the corridor’s operation.

“The IMO reaffirmed Ukraine’s right to ensure freedom of navigation and urged Russia to cease threats and uphold international conventions. A safe sea for all. This is Ukraine's and our partners' principled stance. Freedom and safety of navigation are fundamental international principles,” the President stressed.

As reported by Ukrinform, on August 10, 2023, Ukraine announced new temporary routes for merchant vessels sailing to/from the Black Sea seaports of Ukraine, warning that a risk remains from mines in the Black Sea and the military threat from Russia throughout all routes.