The United Nations clarified that it does not intervene in Ukraine’s decision to establish temporary corridors for civilian shipping in the Black Sea. This clarification came during a briefing led by Farhan Haq, the Deputy Spokesperson for the secretary-general, and reflects the UN’s stance on maintaining maritime access while respecting international law. The organization underscored its support for safe passage as a key component of the Black Sea Grain Initiative and expressed hope that this arrangement can continue under agreed terms.
In remarks aligned with that stance, Haq noted that the UN has no influence over the decision to open these routes, stressing that international law must guide all actions in the region. This clarification follows ongoing concerns about naval activity and the potential risks posed by mines and other hazards along the routes used for trade and humanitarian purposes. The UN’s emphasis remains on safeguarding lawful conduct at sea while facilitating essential commercial traffic.
Earlier, Ukrainian naval authorities announced the designation of temporary corridors for civilian vessels traveling to and from Ukrainian ports in the Black Sea. They warned that the threat from ongoing military operations and minefields continues to affect every route, requiring careful navigation and strict adherence to safety protocols. The Ukrainian Navy outlined that these passages are intended to enable ships to reach major port terminals with minimal delay, provided that vessels confirm their readiness and comply with current security and navigational requirements.
The routes are designated to allow civilian ships to access the Ukrainian ports of Chornomorsk, Odessa, and Yuzhny. The Ukrainian naval command reiterated that ships which formally prove their preparedness and comply with the conditions set forth by authorities may proceed along the routes under the present circumstances. This approach aims to sustain regional trade and food security while maintaining vigilant oversight of maritime risk in a contested waterway.
With the last ship associated with the grain corridor leaving the Black Sea, regional officials and international observers continue to monitor developments. The overarching objective remains ensuring safe, predictable passage for legitimate commercial traffic, alongside continued inspections and safeguards that uphold humanitarian commitments and the integrity of international maritime norms. In this evolving scenario, all parties are urged to cooperate with established procedures and to prioritize civilian safety and lawful conduct at sea.