A quadrilateral meeting regarding the delivery of stalled Ukrainian grain shipments via the Black Sea began in Istanbul on Wednesday at 14:15 local time (11:15 UTC), as reported by a Turkish official to AFP. This discussion includes military experts from Ukraine, Russia, Turkey, and the United Nations, aimed at establishing safe corridors across the Black Sea.
Turkey is working with the UN to mediate an agreement following the crisis that began in Ukraine on February 24, leading to skyrocketing prices for grains, cooking oils, fuel, and fertilizers. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told reporters on Tuesday, "We are indeed working hard, but we still have a way to go. Many people are talking about this, and we prefer to try and accomplish the mission."
#### Details of the Plan
Diplomats indicate that the details of the plan under discussion include Ukrainian ships guiding grain vessels in and out of mined port waters. The plan also requires Russia to agree to a ceasefire during shipment transfers while Turkey, with UN support, inspects ships to alleviate Russian concerns about weapon smuggling.
The Russian news agency Interfax quoted Pyotr Ilyichev, Director of the International Organizations Department at the Russian Foreign Ministry, stating that Russia wants to control and inspect ships to exclude "arms smuggling." He added that Russia is prepared to facilitate the passage of foreign commercial vessels to export Ukrainian grain. Another diplomatic source cited by the Russian news agency indicated that Russia's demands include the removal of "obstacles to exports" imposed by Western sanctions.
The agency's source noted, "There are obstacles for the Russian side regarding securing ships, logistical services, transport services, and banking operations due to the imposed sanctions."
#### Concerns and Obstacles
Russia continues to export grain since the start of military operations, but there is a shortage of large ships, as many owners are hesitant to send them to the area. Additionally, shipping and insurance costs have sharply increased. Ukraine raised hopes on Tuesday for a surge in grain exports despite the Russian blockade of Black Sea ports, indicating that ships have started to pass through an important mouth of the Danube River.
Russian operations and the maritime blockade of Ukraine have caused exports to halt, leaving dozens of ships stranded and over 20 million tons of grain trapped in silos in Odesa. Farmers in both countries are currently harvesting their 2022 wheat crop, with the period from July to November typically being the busiest for traders shipping the new crop from both nations. The upcoming harvest is at risk, as Ukraine currently faces storage shortages due to the halt in exports.
