Ukraine Opens Humanitarian Corridor for Stranded Black Sea Ships

Ukraine has announced a "humanitarian corridor" in the Black Sea to release cargo ships trapped in its ports since the outbreak of war, a move that challenges Russia's de facto blockade. The corridor will initially apply to vessels such as container ships that have been stuck in Ukrainian ports since the invasion in February 2022. The Ukrainian navy has proposed the routes to the International Maritime Organization, stating that the corridor will primarily be used for civilian ships. Risks remain from mines and the military threat from Russia. Around 60 commercial ships have been stuck in Ukrainian ports, and Russia's decision to abandon a grain deal has worsened the global food crisis. Ukraine hopes that Turkish President Erdogan can convince Russian President Putin to rejoin the grain deal.