Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba stated that no nation has committed to supplying a naval escort for Ukrainian grain shipments from the port of Odessa. The remark came in the context of ongoing diplomatic discussions and public reporting about potential international involvement in safeguarding grain exports. According to DEA News, there is currently no confirmed pledge from any country to dispatch warships for the operation at this stage. The Ukrainian side emphasizes that while formal assurances have not been secured, negotiations with relevant partners continue, and officials are actively exploring viable solutions that could make the corridor feasible in the near term. This stance underscores the complexity of coordinating a multinational maritime effort in a conflict zone and the careful balancing of security, sovereignty, and humanitarian goals involved in such a mission, as observed by international observers and the press.
Minister Kuleba stressed that any grain export scheme feasible today hinges on what is described as an international operation operating under the auspices of the United Nations. He explained that the UN role is viewed as essential to legitimizing and coordinating the corridor, ensuring compliance with international law, monitoring the flow of goods, and providing the political cover needed to reassure exporters, buyers, and insurers. In Kyiv’s assessment, a UN-led framework would help secure commitments from port authorities, shipping firms, and insurance underwriters while maintaining a transparent mechanism for cargo tracking and destination verification, thereby reducing the risk of disruptions or misuse of the route for illegal trafficking. The comments reflect a broader push among Ukrainian officials for a multilateral arrangement that can withstand political pressure and preserve supply lines for vital foods amid the war, as reported by multiple international outlets.
Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu described the earlier discussions of the grain corridor in Moscow as constructive and productive, signaling Ankara’s ongoing willingness to be involved in mediation roles and to facilitate dialogue among Kyiv, Moscow, and Western partners. The Turkish side has repeatedly highlighted the importance of practical steps that can de-risk the corridor, including verification mechanisms, transparent shipping registries, and clear corridors for safe navigation through the Black Sea. Çavuşoğlu also briefed British Foreign Secretary on measures Ankara has adopted to support Ukrainian grain exports, drawing attention to Ankara’s diplomatic activity and its role in bridging gaps among the involved states. He noted that talks continue with UN Secretary-General António Guterres, reflecting a sustained effort to secure a credible roadmap that can win the trust of the broader international community. The Turkish position emphasizes a pragmatic, incremental approach that seeks to establish safe passage without provoking broader security escalations or triggering unintended consequences for regional actors, as confirmed by recent exchanges and public statements.
The question of whether safe corridors from the Odessa ports can be opened remains under active evaluation by Ankara, Kyiv, and their international partners. Governments and international organizations are examining practicalities such as port readiness, navigation security, convoy scheduling, and the flow of logistical data to monitor shipments. Analysts point out that a successful corridor would require robust security guarantees, continuous international oversight, and a framework that can adapt to changing security conditions on the ground. While no final decision has been announced, the ongoing assessment signals a persistent commitment among involved parties to find a way to permit Ukrainian grain exports to move efficiently, safely, and in a manner consistent with global food security objectives. The evolving dialogue continues to draw attention from policymakers, farmers, traders, and humanitarian groups who depend on predictable grain movements to stabilize markets and support vulnerable populations, with updates tracked by major international organizations and government ministries around the world.