Ukraine has already started to consider alternative routes for grain export, Ukrainian expert Dmitry Gromakov told Report's Eastern European bureau.
"On July 22 of this year, an agreement was signed between Ukraine, the UN and Turkiye, as well as between Russia, the UN and Turkiye on the formation and operation of grain export corridors. We are talking about the export of grain through Ukrainian ports located on the Black Sea coast. However, a day after the signing of the agreement, Russia launched missile strikes on the Odesa seaport, contrary to the agreements reached. Therefore, Ukraine has already started to consider alternative routes. First, it includes land routes passing through Moldova, Hungary, and Poland and then extending in the direction of Western countries. Ukraine has temporarily suspended the loading of grain at its ports. In addition, these actions of Russia have put the parties that guaranteed the agreement - the UN, its head, and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan - into a difficult situation," said Gromakov.
The expert believes that in response to this action, the pressure of sanctions against Russia will increase, and it will not be considered a reliable partner in terms of the agreements reached:
"Of course, the agreement signed between the parties on grain export is still valid. Ukrainian officials have not made any statement regarding the termination of this agreement. Therefore, in my opinion, the gradual transportation of grain from the blockaded seaports of Ukraine will be started."
The Ukrainian expert emphasized that Russia is currently trying to increase its influence:
"An example is the intention of the Russian Navy to inspect ships and control these corridors directly. In doing so, they try to assume the role of controller of the agreement rather than as a party to the agreement. Russia wants to influence the process by not pretending to be a party to the conflict and a signatory of this agreement."