According to the Deputy Minister of Economy of Ukraine, Oleksandr Hryban, Ukraine is finalizing a scheme with global insurers to insure grain ships heading to and from Ukrainian Black Sea ports. The scheme could be implemented as early as September, with up to 30 vessels passing through what the official called a “dangerous spot” in Ukrainian waters.
The Center for Transport Strategies noted that within a month after Russia withdrew from the grain agreement, Ukraine gave Russia a military response to its threats. As a result, the maritime transport corridor became operational. This proves that Ukraine can unblock its ports itself.
However, many problems remain. The main one is the need for protection of the port infrastructure, which is in the crosshairs for both missile and drone attacks. However, “Ukraine has shown that it can be a maritime state and no foreign agreements can dictate decisions that do not correspond to our geopolitical interests,” the Central Committee of Ukraine summarized.