Following an attack on the Crimean bridge on Monday, Russia announced its withdrawal from negotiations under the agreement guaranteeing the export of Ukrainian grain despite the conflict.
This agreement, concluded in July 2022 by Russia and Ukraine after mediation by the UN and Turkey and aimed at avoiding a world food crisis, has allowed since August 2022 to export about 33 million tons of cereals from Ukrainian ports.
Optimistic Recep Tayyip Erdogan
Acting as UN mediator, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Monday he was convinced his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin wanted to “continue with the deal” on Ukrainian grains, despite the latest announcements from Moscow. in the opposite direction.
This “corridor” has been expanded several times, but the Kremlin for its part has pointed the finger at sanctions and several European embargoes that curb Russian agricultural exports.
“I think that, despite today’s statement, my friend Mr. Putin wants to continue with the agreement” allowing the export of grain from Ukraine to the Black Sea, which expires Monday at midnight.
“My foreign minister must speak on the phone (with the Russian minister) and I will speak to Mr. Putin as soon as I return,” continued Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who spoke to reporters before flying to Israel. United Arab Emirates and Qatar. He again announced that he would receive the Russian president “in August” in Turkey, adding: “We will have the opportunity to discuss all these issues again.”
“Perhaps, by then, to move things forward, we can take action by phone with Mr. Putin without waiting for August,” the Turkish head of state hoped. However, spokesman Dmitry Peskov added that “as soon as the part (of the agreements) concerning Russia is fulfilled, Russia will immediately return to the grain agreement.”
Source: BFM TV
