In a recent meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Putin reiterated Russia’s stance on the United Nations-brokered deal for the safe shipment of Ukrainian grain across the Black Sea. The deal’s future now hinges on whether the West meets Moscow’s demands concerning agricultural exports.
The UN-brokered agreement is crucial for global food supplies, particularly in regions like Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. However, Russia’s decision not to extend the deal in July stemmed from its dissatisfaction with a parallel agreement, which promised to remove obstacles to Russian food and fertilizer exports. Moscow argued that restrictions on shipping and insurance hindered its agricultural trade, despite shipping record amounts of wheat in the past year.
Putin emphasized these concerns during his meeting with Erdogan and added that the Black Sea corridors should not be utilized for military purposes. He suggested that if these commitments were honored, Russia could rejoin the agreement “within days.”
Erdogan expressed hope for a breakthrough and mentioned that Turkey and the UN have collaborated on new proposals to resolve the issue. Erdogan, who has taken on the role of mediator between Ukraine and Russia, highlighted the need to address shortcomings in the agreement.
International Reactions and Implications
The international response to Russia’s demands has been mixed. The United States and the European Union dismissed Moscow’s complaints, arguing that their sanctions do not target Russian grain and fertilizers. Failure to revive the agreement could have dire consequences, especially for several African countries heavily reliant on Ukrainian and Russian grain.
In response to this potential food supply disruption, Putin announced that Moscow is on the verge of supplying free grain to six African nations. These agreements are expected to be finalized within weeks, with deliveries commencing shortly thereafter.
Putin also suggested that a significant portion of the grain exported through the Black Sea deal ended up in Western countries rather than reaching impoverished nations.
Turkey’s Role and Regional Dynamics
Turkey had high hopes that Erdogan could persuade Putin to reinstate the Black Sea grain deal. Turkish officials have been working to convince Western countries to allow Russia back into the international payment system in a limited capacity. Additionally, insurance companies may provide coverage for Russian ships involved in grain and fertilizer transport. Such actions would challenge Western-imposed sanctions on Russia.
Despite its close ties with Putin during the Ukraine conflict, Turkey has not joined Western sanctions against Russia, emerging as a key trading partner and logistical hub for Russia’s overseas trade. However, Turkey has also supported Ukraine by sending arms, engaging with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and endorsing Kyiv’s bid to join NATO.
Ukraine’s Response and Export Efforts
In Ukraine, the outcome of the Sochi meeting has been met with cynicism. Many view Russia as responsible for invading Ukraine and turning the Black Sea into a war zone, citing Russian attacks on Ukrainian grain ports and storage facilities, which have resulted in the destruction of significant grain quantities.
Since the end of the grain deal, Ukraine has established its own corridor from the port of Odesa. However, Russia has threatened to treat all ships visiting Ukrainian ports as potential military targets.
Ukraine remains determined to export its grain independently, with or without Russia’s cooperation.
Global Concerns and Accusations
The European Union has strongly condemned Russia’s recent attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure used for grain exports. These attacks are seen as contributing to rising global food prices and jeopardizing millions of vulnerable individuals worldwide.
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock criticized Putin’s decision to block the Black Sea grain deal, accusing him of playing cynical games. Baerbock stressed the importance of Erdogan’s efforts to revive the agreement, emphasizing that Russia’s actions were exacerbating global hunger.
In summary, the fate of the Black Sea grain deal remains uncertain, with international tensions, regional dynamics, and the pressing issue of global food security at the forefront of this complex situation.
