In a recent development, Ukraine’s ambassador to Turkey revealed on Thursday that discussions were in progress regarding the revival of a UN-brokered grain export initiative that was suspended in the summer of 2023.
The UN and Turkey had facilitated a Black Sea deal in July 2022 to address a global food crisis exacerbated by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Both Ukraine and Turkey rank among the leading grain exporters worldwide.
In July 2023, Russia discontinued its participation in the agreement, citing unmet terms. “Unfortunately, this grain initiative is not functioning at the moment, although certain negotiations are ongoing to find a format for possible assistance from international partners to Ukraine,” stated Vasyl Bodnar during an online briefing as Ukraine’s ambassador to Turkey.
However, no further details regarding the ongoing negotiations were provided.
Following Moscow’s withdrawal from the UN-brokered deal, Ukraine established its own shipping corridor along its western Black Sea coast, near Romania and Bulgaria, in August of the same year. Since then, the country has successfully exported approximately 16.5 million metric tons of cargo, primarily consisting of food, through this route.
