U.S. not discussing escorting ships with Ukrainian grain in Black Sea - White House

The United States is not discussing with its allies a possible escort of Ukrainian grain ships in the Black Sea.

U.S. National Security Council Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby stated this, Ukrinform reports citing Voice of America.

There is no active discussion about sending warships into the Black Sea right now. This will only increase tensions and the possibility of a potential conflict between the West and Russia, and this is not what the United States wants, Kirby said.

He emphasized that the United States wants to see grain leave Ukraine and onto the foreign market and wants the grain deal to be extended.

Also, Kirby said, the U.S. will work with allies and partners to find other land or possibly river routes for grain exports from Ukraine.

As Ukrinform reported, the United States addressed the UN Security Council on Wednesday, emphasizing that Russia's recent attacks on Ukrainian ports and other grain infrastructure have global implications. In this regard, the United States called on the international community to join forces to increase pressure on Russia and to restore and expand the Black Sea Grain Initiative.