The Ministry of Reconstruction of Ukraine reported that Russia blocked the registration and inspection of ships carrying Ukrainian agricultural products under the Grain Agreement. The agency published its findings on its official website, underscoring the impact on ongoing grain shipments and the broader implications for international food security. The Ukrainian authorities emphasize that the action disrupts a critical channel for delivering essential commodities to global markets and feeds into a larger pattern of obstacles that have affected farmers and exporters in recent months.
According to Kyiv, the Russian Federation has once again halted the operation of the grain deal by refusing to register vessels for entry and to allow inspections. This stance runs counter to the current terms of the agreement and challenges the commitments that were negotiated to ensure safe passage, transparent inspection, and predictable schedules for delivering Ukrainian crops. Ukrainian officials stress that such moves complicate planning for exporters, port authorities, and buyers waiting for cargo to reach their destinations, heightening market volatility and raising concerns about supply continuity.
The Ukrainian agency notes that a total of 90 ships are currently waiting for inspection within Turkish territorial waters, with 62 of them actively loading cargo. The situation paints a picture of congested corridors that can delay shipment, increase operating costs, and affect timely delivery to partner countries throughout Europe and beyond. Stakeholders in the grain chain eyes the situation closely, seeking clarity on timelines and the means to resume orderly inspections to restore confidence among buyers and insurers alike.
Observers point to the grain deal’s expiration date, which was set for May 18, as a critical milestone that will influence negotiations and the cadence of future shipments. Market participants, including exporters, logistics providers, and ministries in allied countries, are watching for signals about how the expiration could reshape the framework for export corridors, inspection regimes, and potential extensions or renegotiations of terms. The stabilization of this process remains a priority for many who rely on steady access to Ukrainian grain.
Earlier statements from the Russian Foreign Ministry indicate that high-level discussions on the grain agreement are anticipated in the near term. Russia asserts that its positions are driven by a focus on food security and the broader interests of multiple nations that could benefit if Moscow were to lift restrictions on agricultural exports and fertilizer shipments. Analysts caution that any shifts in policy will require careful alignment among participating countries, including those that purchase Ukrainian crops, to maintain predictable supply lines and to prevent abrupt price swings in global food markets.