Russian Defence Min says Mariupol & Berdyansk ports operational, ready to ship grain

Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu expressed willingness to ship grains from Berdyansk and Mariupol ports. He said that seaports of Mariupol and Berdyansk have started operating, TASS reported. Shoigu said that demining of port of Mariupol has been completed. 

In his statement, Shoigu said that port of Mariupol received first cargo ship and seaport of Berdyansk h started to operate. statement of Sergei Shoigu comes after Russian President Vlimir Putin on Friday, 3 June, h expressed reiness to organise export of Ukrainian grain through ports that are under control of Russian forces without any condition, as per news report. He h expressed willingness to allow entry of foreign ships into Azov and Black Sea. Furrmore, Putin assured safety of foreign ships that will enter through se ports.

Speaking about situation in Donbass, Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said that troops of Moscow have "liberated" residential quarters in Severodonetsk and forces continue to have control over its industrial zone and nearby settlements. He said that Russian forces h taken control of Popasna in Luhansk and claimed that 97% of LPR region has been "liberated," as per TASS report. 

Sergei Shoigu claimed that total number of Ukrainian soldiers who have "surrendered" has reached 6,489. Furrmore, he said that Russian forces have destroyed 21 155 mm howitzers, 16 drones, 12 armoured vehicles and two multiple rocket launchers in Ukraine over past ten days. statement of Russian Defence Minister comes as war between Russia and Ukraine continues for more than 100 days. 

Zelenskyy seeks secure corridor for Ukrainian vessels to export grains 

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has been seeking a secure corridor for Ukrainian vessels to export grain and avert a food crisis, according to AP. Speaking at a news conference on 6 June, Zelenskyy informed that Ukraine continues to hold talks with Turkey and Britain about security guarantees for Ukrainian ships. As per AP report, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is expected to hold talks over blocked grain with Turkish authorities during his visit to Turkey on Wednesday.

Earlier on June 3, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko spoke with United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. During telephonic conversation, Lukashenko expressed willingness to transit Ukrainian grain to Baltic ports through Belarus, according to statement released by Belarusian President's office. He said that Turkey was rey to provide all kinds of assistance for transporting shipments through Belarusian rail transport.  

(Inputs from AP)