The final ship to utilize a grain export agreement between Ukraine and other nations has departed from the Black Sea port of Odesa, according to maritime data from MarineTraffic.
The vessel, named TQ Samsun, left on Sunday, a day before the deadline for the agreement's extension.
The UN-brokered deal, established in 2022 amidst concerns of global food shortages following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, has not been extended due to Russia's insistence on meeting its own demands regarding grain and fertilizers. Both Ukraine and Russia hold significant positions as top global grain exporters.
According to MarineTraffic, the Turkish-flagged vessel departed Odesa and is en route to Istanbul, Turkey, after leaving at approximately 08:00 local time (05:00 GMT). Ukraine has not made any public statements regarding the situation.
Russian President Vladimir Putin remarked on Saturday that the agreement's provisions, including the removal of obstacles to Moscow's food exports, had not been fulfilled.
He indicated that Russia may suspend its participation in the deal, stating that the primary objective of supplying grain to countries in need, particularly in Africa, had not been realized. Putin conveyed this message during a phone call with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.
In addition to its demands on grain and fertilizers, Moscow is seeking to have its agricultural payment bank, Rosselkhozbank, reconnected to the global Swift payment network.
However, the European Union has previously stated that it has no plans to reinstate Russian banks that were sanctioned due to Moscow's invasion of Ukraine. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed confidence in the extension of the deal after a conversation with President Putin.
The agreement is typically extended for 120-day periods, but in both March and May 2023, Russia agreed to shorter extensions of only 60 days.
Prior to the most recent extension, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky engaged in urgent discussions with UN Secretary General António Guterres. During the talks, President Zelensky emphasized Ukraine's commitment to preventing hunger on a global scale.
Following Russia's invasion in February 2022, Ukrainian exports via sea from its Black Sea ports faced initial blockades by Russian warships. However, thanks to the UN-brokered deal, over 30 million tonnes of grain and other essential food items have been safely transported from Ukraine, utilizing a secure corridor across the Black Sea.
While Putin has voiced criticism towards Ukraine for its alleged insufficient exports to developing countries, the United Nations (UN) has highlighted the positive impact of the grain deal on a global scale.
According to the UN, the agreement has not only increased the availability of food products in the global market but has also contributed to reducing global prices. As a result, people around the world have benefitted from improved access to affordable food.