Moscow and Kyiv Reach Agreement: UN

Russia and Ukraine have agreed on a document concerning the lifting of restrictions on Russian goods and Moscow's support for the export of Ukrainian grain, stipulating that grain-laden vessels from Ukraine must not be subjected to attacks. This information was shared during a press briefing by a senior UN representative.

"An agreement has been reached that neither side should attack vessels moving from territorial waters into the Black Sea, etc. Thus, safe passage will be ensured. This will be followed by the establishment of a Joint Coordination Center in Istanbul. We have already started determining who will be our representative at this center within the UN," he stated.

According to the UN representative, the monitoring of grain shipments will involve the UN, Turkey, and Ukraine. He emphasized that the Joint Coordination Center in Istanbul, which is intended to facilitate the export of grain from Ukrainian ports, will mainly be staffed by military personnel.

The representative further noted that grain-laden vessels will exit Ukraine via an approved corridor into the Black Sea. He also highlighted that the agreement regarding the export of Ukrainian grain through the Black Sea has a validity period of 120 days, with a possibility for extension.

It was reported that today in Istanbul, an agreement regarding the export of grain to international markets from the coasts of the Black Sea was signed with the participation of Russia, Ukraine, Turkey, and the UN.

It should be reminded that the document stipulates the creation of a safety corridor for grain exports. This is why the document is being signed by the defense ministers. Vessels are to leave ports via this corridor and, passing through the Bosphorus and Dardanelles straits, will proceed along a designated route to the respective countries.

Furthermore, a corresponding center will be established in Istanbul to coordinate the process. The vessels will be stopped and inspected at points designated by Turkey, with involvement from the Russian side as well.