The second vessel to leave Odessa since the war disrupted normal port operations began its voyage into the Black Sea with a destination set for Varna, Bulgaria. The development was reported by the Ukrainian television outlet TSN.ua and confirmed by the port authorities.
The bulk carrier Primus, formerly known as Polarstar, departed from the Odessa port area in the morning and was recorded as arriving at its final destination on February 20, 2022. Observers note that the ship’s course was aimed at Varna, located in northeastern Bulgaria, a route that has attracted attention amid ongoing discussions about grain shipments and regional trade.
In related diplomacy, Turkey’s top diplomat spoke from Kyiv, indicating that new routes for product distribution were being considered to supplement or replace those previously used under the grain initiative. The Turkish official emphasized concerns about the safety and reliability of these alternative corridors and reiterated Ankara’s strong interest in restarting the Black Sea arrangement, which had delivered substantial quantities of grain to global markets.
Meanwhile, Moscow’s foreign affairs leadership signaled a conditional stance, asserting that a return to the grain agreement would hinge on full and verifiable fulfillment of all commitments by the involved parties. This position underscores the broader tension surrounding the agreement and the fragility of the regional grain trade, which has significant implications for food security across multiple regions.
In the broader picture, Türkiye has continued to engage in negotiations with the United Nations, Russia, and Ukraine, aiming to secure a resumption or renewal of the grain accord. The ongoing dialogue reflects a complex balancing act among exporting countries, shipping interests, and the humanitarian imperative to maintain dependable food supplies amid geopolitical strain.