Ukraine considering possible resumption of grain corridor, including convoy escort - Zelensky

MOSCOW. July 19 (Interfax) - Ukraine is exploring the possibility of the grain corridor's operation, including a possible escort by convoys.

Ukrainian media reported that Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky had issued this statement at a press conference following a meeting with Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar on Wednesday.

"How can we ensure security in this corridor? There are different aspects here. We raised questions on individual convoys. They need to be discussed not only with Turkey, but also with our other partners," he said.

"Both the United Nations, Turkey and the military can say that no one gives 100% guarantees," he said. "But this is a very easy position. This is not a position for which we are ready. This is because for us we need the corridor to operate," Zelensky said.

Zelensky noted that several companies that lease ships and agricultural traders "themselves appeal to us that we are ready to go along the corridor." "And if the state gives us permission to do so, we will go and take the appropriate risks. Here I am also waiting for an answer from the Infrastructure Ministry and from our military," he said.

Russia on Monday announced its withdrawal from the Istanbul agreements based on which the Black Sea Grain Initiative functioned, citing the fact that the deal's terms concerning Russia were not implemented. At the same time, Moscow said it was ready to return to the deal's implementation if and when those terms concerning Russia were met.

Russian presidential press secretary Dmitry Peskov said on Tuesday that the parties that could try to continue implementing the grain deal without Russia should take into consideration risks associated with the fact that the Ukrainian grain export routes pass near a combat area.