The Foreign Ministers of Russia and Turkey discussed in Moscow a possible renewal of agreements on Ukrainian cereal exports through the Black Sea. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov demanded guarantees from the West that his country would also be allowed to export cereals and fertilizers without hindrance. Then Russia would be ready to return to the grain deal that was suspended in mid-July, he said today.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said the resumption of Ukraine’s exports by sea is important for the world’s secure food supply. They also guaranteed greater stability and peace in the Black Sea region. Fidan referred to new proposals by UN Secretary General, António Guterres, to take Russian interests into account in the cereals agreement.
Lavrov sees only promises
Lavrov responded that Guterres’ proposals remained just promises and not concrete guarantees. Western countries, with their sanctions, are to blame for the fact that Russia is not able to export its cereals. However, the EU and other supporters of the attacked Ukraine have repeatedly made it clear that the sanctions against Moscow do not concern food.
Russia let the cereals agreement brokered by Turkey and the United Nations expire in July, amid international protests. Security guarantees for shipping with Ukrainian ports have been lifted.
The meeting of foreign ministers also aimed to prepare an early meeting between Presidents Vladimir Putin and Recep Tayyip Erdogan.