Erdogan of Turkey believes Black Sea grain deal may be resurrected following discussions with Putin

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed optimism about resolving the suspended Black Sea Grain Initiative following a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Erdogan stated that a solution could be reached in a short time. The deal, which was brokered in July 2022 between Turkey, the United Nations, Ukraine, and Russia, aimed to ease the Kremlin’s naval blockade in the Black Sea and establish a humanitarian corridor for agricultural exports.

Erdogan, during a press briefing in the Black Sea resort town of Sochi, emphasized the need for Ukraine to soften its approaches for joint steps to be taken with Russia.

Putin, on his part, expressed willingness to consider reviving the grain deal on the condition that Russian agricultural products are fully implemented in the new agreement. He also attributed the global food security crisis to Western governments, blaming them for stoking the crisis following Russia’s exit from the Black Sea grain deal.

The Black Sea Grain Initiative facilitated the transport of millions of metric tons of Ukrainian wheat, barley, corn, and sunflower meal to global destinations. Furthermore, it enabled the transport of wheat to food-insecure countries through the World Food Program.

Russia withdrew from the agreement a year after its signing, claiming that only Ukraine had benefited from it.

Following the collapse of the Black Sea Grain Initiative, Russian forces launched missiles on Ukrainian ports and agricultural facilities, leading to a spike in wheat prices. The escalation of the conflict has disrupted global food security and triggered political instability in vulnerable countries, as stated by the US intelligence agency.

The unclassified report from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence revealed that Russian forces stole approximately 6 million tons of Ukrainian wheat. The Kremlin has denied targeting civilian infrastructure and engaging in looting.