Putin: “Russia will not attack mined ports for the transit of Ukrainian grain”
Russian President Vladimir Putin assured today that his country will not attack Ukrainian ports that have been cleared for grain for the transit of grain, which have been closed for weeks due to current Russian military action. “We will not take advantage of the demining situation to carry out some kind of attack from the sea,” Putin said in an interview with state television.
Putin emphasized that the best option for the production of Ukrainian grain is the ports located in the Black Sea, including Odessa, which is still under Ukrainian control. “It was not us who removed the accesses, it was Ukraine that took them out. I’ve already told all my colleagues many times. Let them clear their mines,” he said.
He stressed that Russia would not impose “any conditions” and said, “We guarantee peaceful transportation, safe access to these ports, as well as the entry and transfer of foreign ships.” The Russian president considered Russia a “bluff” to accuse Russia of blocking Ukrainian grain in the ports of dozens of foreign ships on Ukrainian soil whose crews are all kept against their will.