Russian President Vladimir Putin (R) and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan are scheduled to meet in Sochi on Monday to discuss the revival of the shuttered Black Sea Grain Initiative. The meeting will focus on the resumption of exporting Ukrainian grain. (Photo by Sergei Chirikov/EPA-EFE)
Sept. 4 (UPI) — Russian President Vladimir Putin will meet with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Monday, where Erdogan will attempt to persuade Putin to revive the agreement allowing the export of Ukrainian grain.
Turkey’s foreign ministry stated on Sunday that Erdogan’s one-day visit to Sochi was at Putin’s invitation.
“The talks between President Erdogan and his Russian counterpart will cover current regional and global matters, as well as Turkey-Russia relations,” the brief statement explained.
Seven weeks ago, Russia suspended the Black Sea Grain Initiative, which was brokered by the United Nations and Turkey. The initiative allowed more than 32 million metric tons of grain and foodstuffs to be exported from Ukraine. Russia accused Ukraine of not fulfilling promises made in exchange for allowing shipping vessels through its sea blockade.
The agreement was established on July 27, 2022, in Istanbul, and its expiration drew condemnation from much of the democratic world.
However, just as the meeting was about to begin, Kyiv officials accused Moscow of targeting crucial port infrastructure over the weekend.
Russia launched 25 drones at Ukraine, with 22 of them intercepted. The remaining drones hit targets in the southern Odesa region, resulting in damage to port infrastructure and a fire that was promptly extinguished. Two civilians were injured and received medical assistance, according to Serhii Bratchuk, head of the public council at the Odesa Regional Military Administration, as reported on Telegram.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has consistently called for the safe export of grain and foodstuff from Ukraine. He recently sent a letter to Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, proposing measures to create the conditions for the resumption of the grain deal.
“We believe that the Black Sea initiative has made a significant contribution to ensuring food markets align with our food security objectives,” Guterres told reporters at a press conference. He emphasized the importance of a stable renewal of the deal, stating, “We cannot have a Black Sea initiative that is constantly in crisis or suspension. We need a working arrangement that benefits everyone.”
