For the time being, it’s clear that the warring parties Russia and Ukraine want to extend their grain agreement, according to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The agreement is only hours before the old deal would have expired.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced on Saturday the extension of the grain deal between Russia and Ukraine. “After talks with both sides, we have pledged to extend the agreement, which was due to expire on March 19,” the Turkish leader said in a televised address on Saturday, just hours before the deal expires.
However, Erdogan did not initially provide information on the duration of the extension. Ankara previously said it hoped for a 120-day extension. Russia, on the other hand, insisted on an extension of just 60 days.
Grain agreement: Turkey takes on the role of mediator between Moscow and Kiev
The grain agreement was signed in July 2022 with the mediation of the UN and Turkey to enable the safe export of Ukrainian grain through a protective corridor in the Black Sea. Turkey had played a key role in launching the UN-backed grain deal. The agreement was initially valid for 120 days and was extended by a further 120 days in November.
Ukraine and Russia are among the world’s largest grain exporters
According to UN figures, more than 24.1 million tons of grain have been exported so far. Parallel to the grain agreement, an agreement was concluded that allows Russia – despite sanctions – to export fertilizers and food. Moscow has repeatedly complained that this agreement will not be implemented.
Russian attack
How the fronts in Ukraine have shifted in a year of war
Ukraine and Russia are important suppliers of wheat, barley, sunflower oil and other foodstuffs to countries in Africa, the Middle East and parts of Asia. Before the war began, Russia was also the world’s largest exporter of fertilizers. The disruption of these supplies following the Russian invasion in February 2022 drove up food prices around the world and fueled fears of a hunger crisis in poorer countries.
Source: Stern
I have been working in the news industry for over 6 years, first as a reporter and now as an editor. I have covered politics extensively, and my work has appeared in major newspapers and online news outlets around the world. In addition to my writing, I also contribute regularly to 24 Hours World.
