What is the Black Sea Initiative?

The UN-brokered Black Sea Initiative agreed by Russia, Türkiye, and Ukraine has allowed millions of tons of grain and other foodstuffs to leave Ukraine’s ports, playing an indispensable role in global food security. As of 12 July 2023, 33 million tons of grain have crossed the Black Sea: https://news.un.org/en/story/2023/07/1138532

Signed on 27 July, 2022 in Istanbul, the deal paves the way for Ukrainian grain, foodstuffs and fertilizer to reach global markets to help stabilize food prices worldwide and stave off famine in lower income countries.

The initiative specifically allows for significant volumes of commercial food exports from three key Ukrainian ports in the Black Sea – Odesa, Chornomorsk, Yuzhny.

Ukrainian vessels guide the cargo ships into international waters of the Black Sea, and the vessels then proceed towards Istanbul, in Bosphorus Strait, along an agreed corridor.

Ships heading to and from the Ukrainian ports will be inspected by teams organized by the Joint Coordination Centre (JCC) - The JCC comprises representatives of Ukraine, the Russian Federation, Türkiye and the United Nations.