It started from Ukrainian port of Odessa the first nave loaded with grain. 5 months after the outbreak of the conflict with Russia and the interruptions of maritime traffic in the Black Sea, the Razoni, flying the flag of Sierra Leone, finally lifted the moorings from Odessa with a load of 26 tons of grain, thus freeing a food crisis world. But it is also a first step forward in Russian-Ukrainian relations, as foreseen by the terms of the complex international agreement signed in Türkiye from Kiev and Moscow, last July 22 under the aegis of the UN.
Ukraine is the fifth largest producer of wheat in the world, 20 million tons have been blocked since the beginning of the conflict, the unblocking of the port of is therefore essential to deal with the world food crisis, even if the war goes on.
Grain trade deal first step, but Vadatursky's death dampens enthusiasts
Under the agreement, the Russians undertake not to hit ships en route and controls will serve to prevent the transport of weapons. Meanwhile a caravan of others 16 ships loaded with grain they are ready to set sail, but no other departures are scheduled for today.
The Razoni will arrive on Tuesday 2 August in the port of Istanbul where inspections will be carried out, then she will continue towards Lebanon, in the port of Beirut, where she is also expected tomorrow.
Even if the Russian bombings of Mykolaiv, the coast that connects Odessa to the Crimea, where a missile hit the home of the Ukrainian oligarch cast a new shadow on hope Oleksiy Vadatursky remained killed in the explosion together with his wife. The man was the "lord of grain" at the head of the Nibulon group, the largest company in the grain market in the country. Vadatursky had refused to leave in order not to leave his activities and to support his country by financing the Ukrainian resistance.
Wheat prices down after the announcement
Already with the announcement of the agreement the price of cereals had begun to decline on international markets, a further downward push on quotations will now come with the restart of trade.
Grain prices are close to their early-year levels after surging after Russia's invasion. The price of Ukrainian wheat on international markets was around 280 euros per ton before the conflict, with a peak of 400 euros in May, falling again with the announcement of the agreement down to the current 290 euros.
