Thread by @VolodymDubovyk

In a lieu of today's strikes on the port of Odesa which took place less than 24 hours since the "grain deal" was signed in Istanbul it is important to calm down and think straight, even as we are incensed and full of understandable emotions. Hard but we should try. 1/

Is Russia a trustworty partner, for anyone, let alone for Ukraine, in the light of this? No. Should Ukraine strike out of the deal, cancel on it, renege on it in any way? No. It is crucial for everyone to see who is a responsible, reasonable one here. 2/

That is why the first statements by Ukrainian authorities have struck the right chord. Kyiv pointed to Russia's untrustworthiness, but stated that it intends to live up to its obligations under the deal. That it is prepared to fulfill its commitments. 3/

This is a battle not just on actual batllefield, but also in the information, diplomatic space. Let all who has eyes to see to make conclusions as to who is a reasonable one here and who is not, who is a disrupter, who shatters the deal they have signed just mere hours ago. 4/

This will be seen by people in the Global South. See, here is the country which is earnestly looking for a solution, and then another one which is only pretending, torpedoing the plan which might have led to at least partial relief. 5/

Ukraine must continue to be seen as open to the diplomatic, non-military solutions, even as it is involved in the bloody war not of its choosing. We are not war-mongers here, we are open to the dialogue, depending on what is being offered. 6/

Also, we need solution to this grain problem desperately. So, it is not just about feeding the world, even as doing this would be noble of Ukraine, while being attacked. Our economy is badly hit. Agriculture has always been a major part of it. 7/

With industry and infrastructure in ruins in many areas we need to try and salvage what we can. Trying to get out as much of that grain out as possible is critical. 8/

Odesa has been living off this transit trade for two centuries, specifically of the grain trade. It is now paralyzed economically, due to the blockade. We can not lift that blockade fully now, unfortunately. So we should at least explore the opportunities to do what we can. 9/

While elevators and grain storages are full and there is no place for the new harvest, as fields are being shelled and even the harvesters targeted themselves, every ton becomes "golden", invaluable. 10/

So, in short, even as we are all furious about these missile strikes, directed at the city which is my home for my entire life, and for several generations of my family, we should compose ourselves. 11/

Simply to say that we need to throw this "grain deal" out is not right stance for Ukraine to take. Let all to see who is reasonable here and who is bent on hellish destruction and continous destabilization of the entire region with global repercussions. 12/12.