British intelligence assesses situation with Ukrainian exports through Black Sea
The UK Defense Ministry said this in an intelligence update published on the social media platform X, Ukrinform reports.
The British intelligence notes that this figure has surpassed monthly volumes achieved during the UN-and Turkey-brokered Black Sea Grain initiative, which was subject to Russians inspections.
"Ukraine has achieved this because it has largely prevented the Russian Black Sea Fleet from operating in the western part of the Black Sea, where it is held at risk by Ukrainian missiles and uncrewed surface vessels," the report says.
Market confidence is supported by the UK-brokered reduction in insurance premiums through the Unity Facility insurance package and the announcement that Turkey, Romania and Bulgaria have formed a naval mine countermeasures force.
It is noted that the health of this export route is vital in the long term: both for Ukraine’s export revenue; and as a symbol that both sides are willing to suspend attacks on civilians shipping, paving the way to diminished risk and greater trade for all in the Black Sea.
As reported by Ukrinform, Ukraine exported 20.239 million tonnes of grains and legumes in the 2023/2024 marketing year (from July 1, 2023 to January 12, 2024).
