Grain corridor hasn't resumed operations yet, 62 vessels waiting for inspection

Yuriy Vaskov, Deputy Minister for Communities, Territories and Infrastructure Development of Ukraine stated this in an interview with the Voice of America, Ukrinform says.

"Our Turkish partners have confirmed 120 days (the duration of the grain corridor agreed in March - ed.). The United Nations confirmed 120 days. Russia said that we would leave in 60 days. So, what was said yesterday by all the parties to the agreement - that it was extended - we believe that it was simply unblocked. But so far, it's just lip service. Because despite yesterday's statements, both yesterday and today, not a single vessel has been inspected. That is, 62 vessels remain awaiting entry inspection. Not even one has been agreed upon by Russia," he said.

According to Vaskov, the number of inspections should be sufficient so that vessels do not wait for them for more than two days. He noted that it could be ten inspections per day, or fifteen or twenty.

The deputy minister states that the Joint Coordination Center should coordinate the work of the corridor, and not adapt to the whims of only one side (Russia).

"In our opinion, <...> 16 inspections per day in both directions (inbound and outbound) will be enough to ensure that there is no queue, and the world receives maximum food," Vaskov emphasized.

As Ukrinform reported, Ukraine, the United Nations, and Türkiye agreed on March 18, 2023, to extend the Initiative for the Safe Transportation of Agricultural Products through the Black Sea. The agreement was extended for 120 days, but Russia stated that the agreement would be valid until May 18, 2023.

On May 17, Oleksandr Kubrakov, Deputy Prime Minister for Reconstruction - Minister for Communities, Territories and Infrastructure Development of Ukraine, said that the agreement would be in effect until July 18, 2023.