Cereals: Ukraine expects first exports "as early as this week"

Ukraine said on Monday it expects to resume its first grain exports since the start of the war "

", after the signing of an agreement with Moscow and despite the bombing on Saturday by the Russian army of the major port. from Odessa.

“

,” Ukrainian Infrastructure Minister Oleksandr Kubrakov told a press conference.

Read alsoAgreement on grain exports between kyiv and Moscow

According to him, the main obstacle to the resumption of exports is the risk of Russian bombardments, as illustrated by the strike that targeted the vital Black Sea port of Odessa on Saturday.

Oleksandre Kubrakov called on the guarantors of the agreement, Turkey and the UN, to guarantee the safety of the Ukrainian convoys.

"

," he warned.

Exports are also hampered by the presence of sea mines, disseminated by Ukrainian forces to guard against a Russian amphibious assault.

According to the Minister, demining will only take place “

”.

25 million tonnes stuck in Ukraine

Ukrainian ships will accompany the convoys, which will be able to transport not only grain, but also fertilizers, he added.

Deputy Infrastructure Minister Yuri Vaskov said the port of Chornomorsk (southwest) will be the first to operate for exports, followed by that of Odessa (south), then by that of Pivdenny (south). -west).

Read alsoUkraine: kyiv accuses Russia of having fired missiles at Odessa, Moscow denies any involvement

"

," he said.

Ukrainian grain exports, of which up to 25 million have been stuck in the country since the start of the Russian invasion on February 24, are crucial for global food security.