Theoretically, Ukrainian grain exports could resume within a few days. There is practically a lack of seafarers to implement the grain deal with Russia. Although Ukrainian personnel often fight in wars, international security concerns have arisen.
“Unless Ukrainian authorities are helped to clear the mines and create a safe corridor, seafarers are seriously endangering their health and safety,” said Stephen Cotton, head of the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF). The trade union ITF has identified the waters for Ukraine as a risk area, which means that foreign personnel can refuse to work. Anyone who agrees can ask for more money.
450 sailors still on duty
According to the UN Maritime Agency, 450 seafarers are still working on ships trapped in Ukraine. At the start of the war at the end of February, there were still about 2000. In order to recruit more personnel, the ITF is now calling for exemption from conscription for Ukrainian seamen. Trade union representatives have already been to the government in Kiev about this.
Russian personnel reject Ukraine over security concerns. Some 25 million tons of grain have been trapped since the start of the war, and African countries in particular depend on their supplies. Last Friday, therefore, Russia, Ukraine and Turkey signed an agreement providing for the resumption of exports from Ukrainian Black Sea ports. To protect against Russian landing missions, the Ukrainian coast is being mined – a reason for the security concerns of international seafarers.
Blinken plans to Lavrov . to call
The grain deal is said to be the subject of a scheduled phone call between US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov. “I will also discuss the preliminary agreement on grain exports reached last week by Ukraine, Russia, Turkey and the United Nations,” Blinken said on Wednesday. The agreement is a big step, but there is a difference between an agreement on paper and one in practice. Russian troops had attacked the port of Odessa a day after the closure – officially to destroy American weapons.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
