The Joint Coordination Center (JCC) in Istanbul did not carry out ship inspections on May 8 and May 9 within the framework of the Black Sea Grain Initiative, according to reports cited by TASS through the SCC. The absence of audits on consecutive days marks a pause in the regular inspection schedule that has been central to the initiative.
Across the two days, the center stated that no SKC inspections were conducted. Since the start of May, the number of SKC audits has fallen sharply, fueling ongoing negotiations about the future trajectory of the initiative. The parties are in discussions to determine how inspections and movement will proceed under the agreed mechanisms, with this period of lower activity prompting questions about the program’s stability and continuity.
Meanwhile, the UN coordinating office and the Turkish delegation continue to engage with all involved parties to facilitate the safe passage of ships both into and out of the Black Sea. Efforts are being made to ensure that inbound and outbound vessels can move under the established procedures, while inspections are aligned with the agreed protocols that govern the initiative’s operation.
On May 9, Secretary General António Guterres announced that the United Nations would convene the parties to the grain agreement in Istanbul, signaling a renewed push to align stakeholders and address outstanding concerns. This gathering is seen as a pivotal step toward reaffirming commitments and identifying practical steps to maintain grain flows and maritime safety in the region.
On May 6, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Vershinin, speaking on RT, indicated that a high-level meeting on the grain initiative would soon take place in a four-party format involving the Russian Federation, Turkey, Ukraine, and UN representatives. Vershinin stressed Russia’s aim to support global food security, adding that many nations stand to benefit if Moscow can advance its export interests for agricultural products and fertilizers. The statements underscore the political and logistical complexity surrounding the initiative and the potential implications for global markets and humanitarian needs.