Since June 26, no vessels have been allowed to participate in the grain agreement, despite 29 applications submitted to the Joint Coordination Center, reported the UN. According to UN Deputy Press Secretary Farhan Haq, only 13 ships are currently involved in the initiative. These ships are loaded in Ukrainian ports or are on their way to or from Istanbul.
The UN official emphasized that if no new ships appear as part of the Black Sea Initiative, a million or even more tons of food will be stuck in ports until July 17. Haq called on all parties to ensure unhindered access for additional vessels to the maritime humanitarian corridor in the Black Sea, which serves as a “lifeline for food security on the planet”. He added that the start of the harvest season underscores the urgent need for action.