Ukraine has asked Turkey to detain the Russian-flagged Zhibek Zholi cargo ship carrying Ukrainian grain taken from the Russian-occupied port of Berdyansk and arrest the crew, according to a Ukrainian official and a document seen by Reuters.
An official of the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, citing information from the Ukrainian Maritime Administration, said that the "Zhibek Zholi" loaded the first load of about 4500 tons of grain from Berdyansk, claiming that it belonged to Ukraine.
In a letter dated June 30 to the Turkish Ministry of Justice, the Ukrainian state prosecutor's office stated that "Zhibek zholi" was involved in the "illegal export of Ukrainian grain" from Berdyansk and that he headed to the city of Karasa in Turkey with 7.000 tons of cargo. This is a larger amount than the one stated by the Ukrainian official.
Ukraine's state prosecutor's office has asked Turkey to conduct an inspection of the ship, seize grain samples for forensic examination, and request information on the location of the grain. The letter adds that Ukraine is ready to conduct a joint investigation with the Turkish authorities.
An official appointed by Russia in the Zaporozhye region said on Thursday that the first cargo ship had left the port of Berdyansk after a months-long standoff, but did not say it was the "Zhibek Zholi".
Ukraine accuses Russia of stealing grain from territories occupied by Russian forces since its invasion began in late February. The Kremlin has previously denied the allegations.
Ukraine's state prosecutor's office has asked Turkey to inspect the ship, seize grain samples for forensic testing, and request information on the location of the grain.
The Kazakh transport company KTZ Express confirmed to Reuters that the "Zhibek Jholi" is owned by it, but said that the unmanned ship was hired by the Russian company "Green Line", which is not on any sanctions list.
KTZ Ekpress added that it is consulting with the involved parties and will comply with all sanctions and restrictions.
An official of the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs added that the ship headed for the Turkish port of Karasu.
Reuters writes, citing Refinitiv data, that the vessel reported its position near the port of Karasu yesterday. Data show that it crosses the Black Sea from the area near Crimea. It has not listed Berdyansk as its destination in the past 48 hours, but tracking data relies on transponders to update positions.
Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said earlier this month that the Ukrainian ports of Berdyansk and Mariupol, which are controlled by Russian forces, are ready to resume grain deliveries.
Western countries accuse Russia of creating a risk of global famine by preventing Ukraine from exporting grain through its Black Sea ports. Moscow denies responsibility for the international food crisis, which it blames on Western sanctions.
Diplomats are trying to reach an agreement on a sea corridor from Ukrainian ports, while also trying to secure alternative export routes before Ukraine's new harvest.
The President of Russia Vladimir Putin met with the President of Indonesia on Thursday, and yesterday he spoke by phone with the Prime Minister of India, promising both major food importers that Russia will remain a major supplier of grain.
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