UN: no new ships have entered the grain deal since 26 June
If this continues, more than 1 million tons of food will be stuck in ports by 17 July
The United Nations said on Friday that it waa concerned that no new vessels have been registered since 26 June under an agreement that allows for the safe export of grain from Ukraine through the Black Sea.
Since 26 June, the Joint Coordination Center (JCC) in Istanbul has not approved any of the 29 applications for passage to the Black Sea under the grain deal.
"At the moment, only 13 vessels are operating routes under the initiative, either loading in Ukrainian ports or moving from or to Istanbul," said UN spokesman Farhan Haq.
"If new ships cannot enter the Black Sea, 1 million tons or more of food will be stuck in ports by 17 July (when the grain deal expires)," Haq added.
russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said that he saw no reason to extend the grain deal.
"I don't see what evidence those who would like to extend this Black Sea initiative have, because it has long since become commercial in terms of Ukrainian grain," Lavrov said.
russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Vershinin said earlier that 18 July could be the last day of the grain deal.
Background. Earlier it was reported that during the 46th week of the "grain corridor" the volume of exported agricultural products decreased by 33% compared to the previous week.
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