Ukraine Suspends Use of New Grain Corridor via the Black Sea Due to Military Risks

The Kyiv-based consulting company Parva Invest announced today, Thursday, that Ukraine has suspended its new grain transportation corridor through the Black Sea due to what it perceives as military risks. The consulting firm stated on Telegram: "We would like to inform you about the temporary suspension of ship movements to and from (the ports). The current ban will be in effect from October 26, and it is likely to be extended." Ukrainian officials could not be reached for comment. The company noted that the corridor was already suspended for two days at the request of the military, which indicated an increasing threat from Russian military aviation activity in the region. Russian President Vladimir Putin stated last week that he ordered Russian warplanes equipped with Kinzhal missiles to patrol the Black Sea. Ukraine opened a "humanitarian corridor" for ships heading to African and Asian markets in August in an attempt to circumvent an effective blockade of Black Sea ports following Russia's withdrawal from an agreement that ensured the maritime export of Ukrainian grain during the war. Later, a senior agricultural official mentioned that the route would also be used for grain shipping. Ukrainian officials and sources in the shipping sector indicated that more than 40 cargo ships have entered the corridor so far, with 1.5 million tons of cargo having departed from Ukrainian seaports through the corridor.