Ukraine envoy: None of partners ready to protect grain ships so far

None of the international partners is ready to guard ships within the framework of a possible alternative grain agreement without Russia.

Ukraine does not have such military capabilities yet either, RBC-Ukraine quotes Ukrainian Ambassador to Türkiye Vasyl Bodnar as telling a briefing.

None of the international partners is ready to take responsibility for the physical protection of ships or to engage in armed clashes with Russia. Only Ukraine is engaged in hostilities. Unfortunately, we do not have the capacity to provide ships in a military way," he said.

Ambassador says to resume exports of Ukrainian products by sea, it is necessary to look for solutions within the existing format.

“We hope that the Turkish side will hold talks with the aggressor country and will still be able to persuade it to return to the previously reached agreements. Alternative ways should also be developed, which will be safer," Bodnar added.

The diplomat stressed that the most problematic issue remains the insurance of ships that will enter the Black Sea.

He noted that Ukraine offers a solution in the form of an established insurance fund. According to him, there are already several companies ready to join the initiative.