Kyiv - The civilian cargo vessel named Joseph Schulte, hailing from Ukraine, has triumphantly arrived in Istanbul. In a bold move challenging Russia's blockade, the ship, flying the Hong Kong flag, reached its intended destination on Thursday.

This incident marks the first instance of a vessel directly confronting Vladimir Putin's efforts to sever Ukraine's access to the Black Sea.

Why is this of significant importance?

The arrival of the Joseph Schulte transpired just a few days after Russia employed gunfire against a ship under Turkish ownership. The vessel, bearing the flag of Palau, was en route to the Ukrainian river port of Izmail when the Russian navy initiated warning shots and took control of the vessel.

Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraine's President, characterized Russia's actions as 'terrorist' assaults on Ukraine, posing a threat to global food security.

In addition to this, Moscow's withdrawal from the UN-backed and Turkey-mediated Black Sea Grain Initiative has led to intensified attacks on Ukraine's maritime infrastructure.

Ukraine's decision to confront Russia over maritime access coincides with a global focus on ensuring the safety of grain export routes in anticipation of this year's autumn harvest.

How did the Joseph Schulte manage to bypass Russia's measures?

As per marine traffic tracking websites, the ship charted a western course deliberately avoiding international waters. Instead, it traversed regions controlled by NATO members Romania and Bulgaria.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky referred to this route as a "new humanitarian corridor" established by Kyiv.

This corridor, as reported by AFP news agency, was established following Russia's departure from the agreement that facilitated the export of grain via the Black Sea.

The Significance of the Black Sea Grain Initiative

The agreement, established the previous year, played a crucial role in reducing global food prices and provided Ukraine with a vital revenue stream that supported its efforts in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.

However, Moscow exited the agreement on July 17, citing its failure to achieve the goal of alleviating hunger in Africa and other famine-stricken regions.

Recently, the United States indicated a comprehensive assessment, including the potential for military assistance to Ukrainian ships.