Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan confirmed today, Friday, that he is in agreement with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the necessity of extending an agreement that allows the export of Ukrainian grain via the Black Sea. During a conversation with journalists, Erdoğan expressed hope that the agreement would be extended beyond its expiration date on July 17, as a result of efforts by the United Nations and Turkey.
Russian news agency "Interfax" reported today that Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that Russia has not issued any statements yet regarding the extension of the grain export agreement via the Black Sea. Some media outlets interpreted Erdoğan's comments as indicating that an agreement to extend the deal had been reached. The grain export agreement via the Black Sea is set to expire next Monday. Russia has stated that it will not agree to extend the deal unless its terms regarding its implementation are met.
The United Nations and Turkey mediated the Black Sea Grain Initiative between Russia and Ukraine in July 2022 to help alleviate the global food crisis that intensified following Moscow's invasion, which included a blockade of Ukrainian ports. Ukraine and Russia are among the largest grain exporters worldwide.
