Analysis: both sides agree grain must reach world markets soon but each wants to decide how
, the Italian prime minister, Mario Draghi, has taken the practical initiative, discussing the issue first with Joe Biden a fortnight ago then last week holding talks with the Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelenskiy, then Putin and then Zelenskiy again.
According to Draghi, Putin has indicated that he would open access to Odesa provided valid checks could be made to ensure the grain ships were not carrying weapons for use by Ukraine. Unresolved issues also exist about the nationality of the ships escorting the convoy, and their terms of engagement if threatened by Russia.
The US is also showing some flexibility. Its ambassador to the UN, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, said the US was prepared to give “comfort letters” to shipping and insurance companies to help facilitate exports of Russian grain and fertiliser. One possibility is that Rebecca Grynspan, a senior UN official – recently in Moscow for talks on the issue – could help negotiate a draft security council resolution backing the humanitarian corridor, an idea backed by the French president, Emmanuel Macron. One western official said: “It is unlikely even Russia could veto a resolution to feed the world simply because Russian demands on the lifting of sanctions had not been met.
But Gen Mark Milley, the chair of the US joint Chiefs of Staff, struck a cautious note in London on Tuesday, saying: “To open up those sea lanes would require a very significant military effort.” If policymakers opted for it, “it would be a high-risk military operation that would require significant levels of effort”, he said. It is for that reason Draghi, Macron and the German chancellor, Olaf Scholz, felt that it was necessary to test Putin out.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Luhansk governor says Russia now controls 70% of SievierodonetskFighting continues in key eastern city as Volodymyr Zelenskiy says up to 100 Ukrainian soldiers dying each day
Read more »
Canva blocks Russia after pressure, joining global exodus as war drags onThe hugely successful software company had come under public pressure from Australian-Ukrainian activists who said they were “appalled” it had kept its free service in the country.
Read more »
Russia-Ukraine war: Biden approves medium-range rocket systems to bolster Ukraine defences – liveUS president says military shipment will enable Ukrainian forces ‘to more precisely strike key targets’; most of key eastern city of Sievierodonetsk under Russian control
Read more »
Will US rockets for Ukraine be a game-changer in the war against Russia?The United States has announced it is sending advanced missile systems to Ukraine, but the jury is out on whether they will be the game-changer hoped for in Kyiv's war with Russia.
Read more »
US to send advanced rocket systems to Ukraine as Russia tightens grip on SievierodonetskMedium-range rocket systems, helicopters and anti-tank weapons form part of latest US package to help desperate situation in Donbas
Read more »
Canva blocks Russia after pressure, joining global exodus as war drags onAustralia’s most successful private technology company is withdrawing entirely from Russia following pressure from the Australian-Ukrainian technology community. canva tech technews
Read more »