A breakthrough in Ukrainian grain exports? “Signing the Agreement on Friday”

The signing ceremony of the agreement created under the auspices of the UN will be attended by the Secretary-General of the organization Antonio Guterres, while the Turkish side will be represented by President Erdogan – the press release added. No further details were provided.

Ukraine and Russia are among the world’s largest grain producers and exporters. After the Russian invasion of Ukraine on February 24, exports through the country’s Black Sea ports were blocked. Millions of tons of grain are in Ukrainian warehouses. The Russian blockade of Ukrainian exports contributed to the increase in food prices on world markets – according to international organizations – This will lead to food shortages in many countries in Africa and the Middle East.

The UN has agreed to conclude a “comprehensive” agreement with Kiev and Moscow to resume Ukrainian grain exports via the Black Sea and facilitate grain and fertilizer shipments from Russia. and Turkey have been working for two months, reminds Reuters.

The first contract talks were held last week in Istanbul. Turkish officials later told them that the parties had agreed on the general terms of the deal, which would be noted and written during the next meeting this week.

The details concern, among others, the participation of Ukrainian units in escorting ships with grain into ports currently mined, Russia’s approval of a ceasefire during the movement of these units, and the role of Turkey and the UN in controlling the ships to alleviate Russian concerns about arms smuggling. Reuters. The agreement also provides for the establishment of a coordination center in Istanbul where all parties will be represented.

So far, Moscow has denied its responsibility for exacerbating the global food crisis, explaining that its reduction in grain and fertilizer exports is due to sanctions imposed by the West, Reuters reminds. Western countries argued for exemption from food and food embargoes.

While Russian (food – ed.) products are not affected by the sanctions, there are restrictions on shipping, insurance and banking. The United States and the European Union are committed to removing these barriers – Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said in a TV interview.

When we manage to solve these problems, not only the export of grain and sunflower oil from Ukraine, but also goods from Russia will be opened. – Turkish diplomatic chief said.

agreement with Turkey, Russia and the United Nations on blocking Ukrainian grain exports; It must guarantee the security of southern Ukraine and the transport of agricultural products – Spokesman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Oleh Nikolenko said in the evening.

In sum, a document obliging the parties to guarantee the operation of export routes in the Black Sea could be signed. The spokesperson announced.

Nikolenko stressed that only the Ukrainian delegation would sign the agreement. while it guarantees Ukraine’s security and the “strong positions” of its armed forces in the Black Sea.

We are pleased to announce the signing of an agreement to prevent Ukrainian grain exports through the Black Sea, but We will hold Russia accountable for compliance with the provisions of this Agreement – US State Department spokesman Ned Price said.

The announcement of the signing of the agreement was a “welcome breakthrough”, but an important one indeed How the contract will be enforced Price said in a press conference. Of course, we will continue to work with our partners to hold Russia accountable for implementing (this agreement – ed.). – emphasized the spokesperson of the US Department of Foreign Affairs.

Above all We should never be in that position – Price mentioned the blockade of Ukraine’s Black Sea ports, caused by the Russian invasion.

Using food as a weapon was a deliberate decision by the Russian Federation Price emphasized.