Finland allowed the transit of Russian fertilizers detained in the port of Kotka

The Finnish authorities have issued a permit for the export of fertilizers from the Smew vessel, which was detained March 9 due to EU sanctions. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has decided on an exception due to the buyer’s request. Fertilizers are exported to a third country, and they are needed to “ensure global food security,” the Finnish Foreign Ministry said.

Helsinki notes that the European Union does not prevent the import of fertilizers from Russia to the Union countries or their transit, with the exception of potash fertilizers. However, EU members must freeze the assets and economic resources of individuals and legal entities that are subject to sanctions.

In the case of fertilizers, assets may be released from seizure if they are shipped to a third country to promote global food security. “Based on this, fertilizers detained in the port of Kotka can also continue on their way,” the statement says. message Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland. Helsinki does not specify, because of the personal sanctions against whom the decision was made to detain the cargo.

Russia, within the framework of a grain deal with Ukraine, the UN and Turkey, agreed to remove obstacles to the export of food and fertilizers. Moscow has repeatedly stated that the restrictions remain despite the agreements.

Leonid Uvarchev