Russia, Ukraine sign UN-backed deal to export grain

Through the mediation of Turkey and the United Nations, Russia and Ukraine signed an agreement on the export of grain.

According to the agreement, the ports – of Odessa, Chernomorsk , and Yuzhny will be controlled by the Ukrainian side. The presence of other ships in the mentioned ports is not considered. The document also does not envisage the easing of sanctions against Russia.

A special coordination center was also created in Istanbul under the auspices of the United Nations, which will be staffed by representatives of the parties and will supervise the implementation of the initiative. The center will also create special inspection groups.

Turkey will inspect ships to ensure they are not carrying weapons. In addition, according to the initiative, no military ship, aircraft, or unmanned aerial vehicle will be allowed to approach the humanitarian maritime corridor within the permitted distance. The distance will be determined by the coordination council.

The agreement will be valid for 120 days from the date of signing and will be automatically extended unless either party waives it.

The name of the document is “Initiative on the safety of grain and food products from Ukrainian ports”. It was signed by representatives of Turkey, the United Nations, Ukraine, and Russia. The Russian side was represented by Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and Ukraine by Infrastructure Minister Alexander Kubrakov. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres were among the signatories. 

Russia and Ukraine are the world’s largest food exporters. Russia’s blockade of Ukraine’s ports has disrupted food supply routes to the world, with the West and Ukraine accusing Russia of causing the food crisis. 

Up to 20 million tons of grain are in storage in Odessa and cannot be exported from the Black Sea ports due to the Russian blockade. In addition, Ukraine accuses Russia of deliberately destroying its grain stocks and fields. 

Moscow denies its own responsibility for the food crisis and names the West and Ukraine as the cause of the crisis. According to Moscow, Western sanctions against Russia have slowed food exports, and Ukraine is accused by Russia of mining Black Sea ports.

The UN and Turkey have been working for two months on an agreement that would make it possible to export grain from the Black Sea ports of Ukraine.

Turkey, which has good relations with Russia and Ukraine, controls the straits in the Black Sea. The country acts as a mediator between Ukraine and Russia on the grain issue.