The implementation of the grain deal showed that a diplomatic solution to the situation in Ukraine is possible, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said.
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The grain deal, which was signed on July 22 by representatives of Russia, Turkey, Ukraine and the UN, involves the export of Ukrainian grain, food and fertilizer across the Black Sea from three ports, including Odessa. The contract expired on November 18, but meant an automatic extension for 120 days in the absence of objections from any of the parties. Earlier, the Russian Foreign Ministry said that “no such objections were received,” at the same time noting that the Russian side allows a technical extension of the “Black Sea initiative” for the export of Ukrainian grain without any changes in terms and scope.
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“During these difficult days, when humanitarian values were being tested, Turkey shared its funds with those who need them. From day one, we have worked intensively to end the war between Russia and Ukraine. We have shown that a diplomatic solution is possible thanks to the grain corridor through the Chernoye the sea and the prisoner exchange agreement. The crisis, which began with an epidemic and continued with rising energy prices, continues, acquiring a new dimension,” Erdogan said, speaking in Istanbul.
