According to Turkey, the agreement on the export of Ukrainian grain is about to be extended. The negotiating parties are “moving towards an extension of the grain deal”, Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar said on Friday. The deal, which has already been renewed twice so far, would expire next Thursday with no deal.
Russia had already blocked an extension. The United States and Britain asked Moscow on Tuesday for an extension, accusing the government of using the food supply as a “weapon”.
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Why the Grain Agreement matters
The deal, negotiated by the UN and Turkey, was signed last July to allow Ukrainian grain to be exported safely through a protective Black Sea corridor, thereby mitigating the impact of Russia’s war of aggression on global food supplies.
The deal allows Russia to export fertilizer and food despite sanctions. Moscow has repeatedly complained that this agreement is not being respected.