Energy and Grains Top Lavrov and Turkish Counterpart's Agenda

The Russian Foreign Ministry announced today, Wednesday, that Minister Sergey Lavrov and his Turkish counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu will utilize their visit on Thursday and Friday to discuss "the situation in Ukraine" and cooperation in the energy sector. The ministry stated in a statement that "the ministers will exchange views on the current situation of the Ukrainian crisis, and discuss principles and ways to achieve a peaceful resolution to the conflict," which is only possible if Kyiv considers Russian interests and concerns. The ministry added that "the ministers will also discuss the status of the grain agreement," after Russia stated last month that it would be extended for 60 days, despite efforts by the United Nations, Ukraine, and Turkey to renew it for 120 days. Turkey has positioned itself as a potential mediator between Kyiv and Moscow in the ongoing 13-month conflict, having facilitated the only significant diplomatic achievement so far—the grain export deal from Ukrainian ports on the Black Sea despite a Russian blockade.