Despite threats and escalating tensions with Russia, the first Ukrainian cargo since the end of the grain agreement successfully reached Istanbul on Thursday evening. The container ship “Joseph Schulte,” sailing under the flag of Hong Kong, followed a new humanitarian corridor established by Kyiv, sparking diplomatic reactions in Turkey and Russia.
In a bold and defiant move, the first Ukrainian cargo since the expiration of the grain agreement managed to reach its destination in Istanbul despite tensions in the Black Sea. The container ship “Joseph Schulte,” flying the flag of Hong Kong, departed from the Ukrainian port of Odessa last Wednesday, openly defying Russian threats to target such vessels.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky highlighted the success of this operation, stating that the container ship had taken a “new humanitarian corridor” established by Kyiv. This alternative route allowed the cargo to bypass potentially dangerous areas and safely arrive in Istanbul.
However, Russia did not remain silent in the face of this Ukrainian provocation. Earlier this month, warning shots were fired towards another cargo vessel heading towards the port of Izmail, located in southern Ukraine. Although the container ship belongs to a Turkish company and flies the flag of Palau, these incidents raised concerns about the escalation of tensions in the Black Sea.
The Turkish presidency finally responded on Thursday evening, breaking its silence on the warning shots. Ankara warned Russia to refrain from such initiatives that could escalate tensions in the Black Sea. These events have highlighted the delicate geopolitical situation in the region and the need to prevent any major escalation.
