Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that the Russian Navy can ensure the passage of grain-laden ships from the Black Sea to the Mediterranean without obstacles, but Kyiv must resolve the issue of mine clearance from the waters. During a press conference with his Bahraini counterpart Abdullatif bin Rashid Alzayani, Lavrov said, "The Russian army guarantees the unobstructed passage of grain-laden ships from Ukrainian ports to the Mediterranean Sea if Ukraine solves the problem of mine clearance from the coastal waters."
Lavrov confirmed that Russia has done everything possible to address the global food issue. He noted that Moscow has been taking measures for the free export of Ukrainian grain for over a month, but it is important to ensure that Kyiv will secure the ports. He added, "We talked in detail about the situation in Ukraine. At the request of our friends, we provided detailed information about the latest developments, including the food situation, and discussed the actions taken by the Russian side for over a month, which ensures the free export of Ukrainian grain by the ships currently stranded in Ukrainian ports. However, for this to happen, it is essential for the Ukrainian representatives to clear the coastal waters within Ukraine's territorial sea of mines."
