Russian President Vladimir Putin has stated that Russia will not resume the Black Sea Grain Initiative until the West decreases sanctions on Russian grain and fertilisers for European markets. Putin stated during talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Sochi that the main reason for Erdogan’s visit was to negotiate the restoration of the deal, which Moscow had unilaterally terminated in July. The UN has offered to assist Russia with its food and fertiliser exports. Erdogan expressed hope for a solution and said Ukraine needs to soften its approach to take joint steps with Russia. The agreement, which allowed Ukraine to export its grain through its Black Sea ports, was withdrew by Moscow on July 17, causing wheat prices spikes and global food security concerns. Turkey, acting as a mediator between Ukraine and Russia, played a crucial role in brokering the deal in July 2022.
Erdogan hoped a solution would be reached soon, while Kuleba argued that Putin cannot be trusted and that Russia would return a month later with new terms. However, the Ukrainian Foreign Minister stressed the „trusted relations” between Ukraine and Turkey, citing Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan’s recent meeting with President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv. Erdogan is expected to be in contact with Zelensky to discuss the details of his negotiations with Putin. Moscow withdrew from the Black Sea grain deal on July 17, causing wheat prices spikes and global food security concerns. Turkey, acting as a mediator between Ukraine and Russia, played a crucial role in brokering the deal in July 2022. Since the agreement’s collapse, Ankara has been in contact with Kyiv and Moscow, discussing options for its restoration.
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Putin Demands Concessions for Re-Starting the Black Sea Grain Deal
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