Erdogan expects constructive stance from Putin on grain deal

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said he expects a constructive position from Russian President Vladimir Putin to extend the grain deal, which expires on June 17.

“In the coming month, we are waiting for the visit of the esteemed (Russian President Vladimir) Putin. In the case of this visit, we will definitely discuss this topic (grain deal). I do not expect that at the meeting with respected Putin we will see a different position. What position has shown until today, respected Putin, and this will show,” – leads his words to RIA Novosti.

The extension of the grain initiative is now being discussed with Russia, and Ukraine has declared its readiness to “do everything in their power,” Erdogan added.

On July 7, Erdogan and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met in Istanbul, following which the Turkish leader said that he would like to extend the grain deal at least every three months, and at best, immediately for two years.

The Kremlin previously stated that the Russian part of the agreements on the grain deal is still not being implemented, and therefore there are no grounds for its extension. The Russian Foreign Ministry also said that Moscow continues to fulfill its obligations and is making efforts so that all ships participating in the deal can complete their mission and leave the Black Sea before the deadline for its completion.

The deal was concluded on July 22, 2022 by representatives of Turkey and the UN, on the one hand, and representatives of Russia and Ukraine, on the other. As part of the negotiations, two agreements were signed between Moscow and Kiev. The first is for the export of Ukrainian grain from three ports, including Odessa, Yuzhny and Chornomorsk, the second is for assistance in the export of Russian grain and fertilizers.