Russia signaled that if Ukraine stops approaching ships, it will secure safe passage for Ukrainian grain-carrying vessels. Moscow communicated this stance after being briefed on the grain corridor roadmap presented by Russia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Vasily Nebenzya.
“For the Ukrainians, they should clear their port first. We are prepared to ensure safe passage, but the mines must be cleared by them—these are their mines, not ours”, Nebenzya was quoted as saying by RIA Novosti.
Following discussions in Istanbul among Turkey, Russia, Ukraine, and United Nations representatives, a roadmap for the grain corridor study was outlined. Anadolu Agency noted that the plan aims to avert a global food crisis linked to Russia’s actions in Ukraine.
Diplomatic sources indicated that Turkish authorities are actively coordinating with partners to establish a mechanism for secure grain delivery. In Istanbul, plans include a center to regulate the interaction between Russia and Ukraine on exports, with an anticipated transport volume around 20 million tons of grain.
In the near term, all parties may convene in Istanbul to finalize road-mapping details. Topics expected to be covered include routes, insurance, and ship safety, with a strong emphasis on demining port areas.
It is anticipated that the Black Sea region will be neutralized for safe grain shipments reaching international markets.
The grain corridor emerged as a central topic in phone conversations between Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and the leaders of Russia and Ukraine, Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky. Erdogan reported that both sides responded positively to Ankara’s initiative (as reported in diplomatic channels).
Meanwhile, Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged Moscow to guarantee security for ports and convoy routes involved in grain exports. The ministry’s spokesperson, Oleg Nikolenko, stated that Russia should withdraw forces from the maritime zone around Ukraine as an initial step. Kyiv is collaborating with partners, including under United Nations auspices, to establish an international mission to safeguard sea routes for Ukrainian agricultural exports.
Earlier, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov suggested that if Kyiv clears the ports, the Russian Navy would allow unhindered passage for grain vessels. In late May, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu noted that the UN proposed creating a four-way contact group to discuss Ukraine’s grain exports. Çavuşoğlu highlighted mined Odessa coastlines and sanctions restricting insurance and port access as major obstacles to trade.
Ukraine does not want Russian warships to pause at Odessa ports, and Russia does not want the ships delivering cargo through the corridor to carry weapons to Ukraine. A verification mechanism was called for by the Turkish minister to ensure compliance.
Lavrov echoed concerns about mined coastal areas, stating the core issue is securing safe passages for ships trapped by mines. Russia would like to declare humanitarian corridors to allow ships stuck in Ukrainian ports to exit and to deliver the necessary goods to their destinations, while noting no opposition to grain supplies reaching the world market.
At the same time, the head of Russia’s Foreign Ministry highlighted that Moscow has no problem with supplying grain to the global market.
Meanwhile, the United States signaled it is examining grain export routes. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced this on June 1, describing the situation as a global challenge and a food shortage risk. He noted that several factors, including the Ukrainian scenario, have driven up prices for affordable food products. Blinken estimated that roughly 20–25 million tons of grain are stored in elevators near Ukrainian ports and attributed a major obstacle to a Russian blockade that prevented about 85 grain-loaded ships from leaving Odessa safely.