MOSCOW, October 26. /TASS/. Ukraine suspended the navigation via the so-called temporary maritime corridor to and from Odessa region ports, used for export of Ukrainian grain, for one day, specialized "Ports of Ukraine" website says citing the Ukrainian Sea Ports Authority (USPA).
"On October 26, 2023, there will be no entry or exit navigation via the corridor," the website says, citing the USPA notification for market participants.
The Authority explains this decision by concerns of security, claiming that the Russian aviation has become more active in the Black Sea area.
Meanwhile, the website notes that there has also been no navigation through the corridor on the two previous days, October 24 and 25, due to the absence of permission from the Ukrainian military over a "security threat." This was not previously announced.
On July 17, Russia refused to continue its participation in the grain deal, which implied safe export of Ukrainian grain and establishment of conditions for export of Russian agricultural products and fertilizer, because other states failed to fulfill their obligations regarding the export of Russian products to the global market. The Russian Defense Ministry stated that, starting on July 20, Moscow will view all ships navigating the Black Sea to Ukrainian ports as potential carriers of military cargo, and flag countries of these ships will be considered involved in the Ukrainian conflict on Kiev’s side.
On August 10, the Ukrainian Navy announced "temporary corridors" in the Black Sea for trade ships coming to or from the ports of Chernomorsk, Odessa or Yuzhny. Meanwhile, Kiev warned that military threat and mine danger remain on this route.