Media: Türkiye is ready to let ships with grain coming from Ukraine through the Bosphorus

Turkey is ready to provide passage through the Bosphorus to ships with grain if they arrive from the ports of Ukraine, Haber Global TV channel reported, citing sources in the country’s defense ministry.

“As far as we know, not a single ship has left Ukraine yet. If it arrives, it will receive permission to pass through the Bosphorus, ”the channel said on the social network X (formerly Twitter).

The grain 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. 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. On July 17, 2023, Russia pulled out of the deal. At the same time, Russian President Vladimir Putin noted that it could be renewed if the Russian part of the agreement, which had been ignored all this time, was implemented.

On August 15, The Wall Street Journal (WSJ), citing sources, reported that the United States is in talks with Turkey, Ukraine and neighboring countries to create alternative routes for the export of Ukrainian grain. The plan provides for an increase in exports to 4 million tons of grain per month by October. According to the WSJ, the products will be sent along the Danube River and across the Black Sea to the nearest ports in Romania, and then to other destinations.

Russia is also exploring alternatives to the Black Sea Grain Initiative to deliver food to countries in need, Russian Ambassador to Turkey Alexei Yerkhov said August 16.