More than 14 million tons of agricultural products have been shipped from Ukrainian ports under the maritime humanitarian corridor as part of the grain deal, according to a report from the Turkish Ministry of Defense on its official X account. The notice also indicated that 556 loaded vessels have departed from Ukrainian ports to date, marking substantial progress in the framework designed to facilitate food exports to global markets.
The defense ministry’s statement underscored that the volume of exported grain has surpassed 14 million tons, reflecting the scale of the operation and its impact on international food security. While the numbers show a large flow of goods, they also highlight the ongoing coordination among participating parties to ensure the safe and timely movement of grain through sea routes previously constrained by conflict and sanctions.
In related developments, former Ukrainian Prime Minister Shmyhal acknowledged that the country has dispatched 554 ships carrying about 13.9 million tons of food as part of the grain corridor. He also noted Kyiv’s intent to extend the grain export effort to additional port facilities within the Nikolaev region, specifically Nikolaev and Olvia, to broaden access for export shipments and diversify logistical routes.
On December 11, President Volodymyr Zelensky spoke of a potential expansion of the grain corridor during a phone discussion with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The remarks signal ongoing dialogue aimed at widening corridor capacity and exploring new logistical options to support agricultural exporters and international buyers alike.
Background context: On July 22, representatives from Russia, Ukraine, Turkey, and the United Nations reached agreements in Istanbul to ease restrictions on the export of Russian products and to facilitate Ukrainian grain shipments. The accord covers the export of grain, food, and fertilizer from three Black Sea ports, including Odessa, with the collaborative aim of stabilizing global food supply chains and reducing price volatility on world markets. The arrangements reflect a concerted effort by international partners to synchronize safety, logistics, and regulatory steps that enable continued movement of critical agricultural commodities while addressing broader geopolitical concerns.
(Cited: Turkish Ministry of Defense via official channels; ongoing official statements from Ukrainian authorities and international partners.)