The United Nations has reported that the Joint Coordination Center in Istanbul did not proceed with inspections of ships covered by the grain agreement because parties failed to reach a mutual arrangement on June 1 and June 2. Cited: United Nations. The center encountered an inability to authorize which vessels would be assessed, and officials indicated that no inspections could take place on the reported days. Cited: United Nations.
Earlier statements from the UN indicated that the grain corridor was temporarily suspended again after Russia blocked the process of registering ships destined for Ukrainian ports. Moscow’s move came after ammonia exports did not show improvement, according to the latest briefings. Cited: United Nations.
On May 18, Moscow committed to extending the grain agreement for an additional two months, contingent on removing obstacles to Russian grain and fertilizer deliveries. The decision was framed as a step to maintain essential food and agricultural shipments while work continued to address impediments. Cited: United Nations.