On Thursday, the grain deal between Ukraine, Russia, Turkey and the United Nations was extended by at least four months. However, critics argue that the ships are actually carrying weapons to Ukraine. A spokeswoman for the coordination center now contradicts this.
The search teams have so far not found any unauthorized crew or cargo on board the participating ships. The JCC Coordination Center in Istanbul organizes the inspections of the ships before they cross the Black Sea to Ukraine and on the way back when the grain is discharged. In addition, the marked routes are technically monitored. “(…) If it detects deviations from the corridor, it (JCC, note) will contact the captain and request a course correction. All ships have complied with these requests,” said the spokeswoman for the coordination center.
representatives of all parties
The ships would have to maintain a certain minimum distance from other ships and would not be allowed to call at ports other than those specified in the agreement. Representatives from all parties involved work in the coordination centre: Ukraine, Russia, Turkey and the United Nations. The aim is that no unauthorized cargo or unauthorized personnel come to Ukraine by ship.
To substantiate the arms smuggling theory, a photo is currently circulating on social media (e.g. on a Russian propaganda blog) as alleged evidence. It shows Ukrainian soldiers receiving anti-tank missiles supplied by the United States. According to AP intelligence, the photo has nothing to do with the grain deal. The photo was taken on February 11, before the outbreak of war. A photographer from the news agency took the picture at Boryspil Airport near Kiev.
The agreement, signed in July, aims to guarantee the export of grain and other agricultural products from Ukrainian ports.
Source: Krone
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