Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu says he is “optimistic” that a deal will soon be concluded with Russia on the export of Ukrainian grain.
Russian warships block Ukrainian ports on the Black Sea, preventing up to 25 million tons of wheat and other grains from leaving the country.
Cavusoglu’s statements come a day after Russian President Vladimir Putin imposed a new condition for resuming exports. Putin wants restrictions on Russian grain exports lifted.
“Solving this problem will clear the way not only for the export of grain and sunflower oil from Ukraine but also for products from Russia,” Cavusoglu said. “While these products are not affected by sanctions, there are blockades on maritime exports, insurance, and banking. The United States and the EU have pledged to lift them.”
The Russian invasion has led to rising food prices worldwide, as both Russia and Ukraine are major grain producers. The countries met in Turkey last week about Ukrainian grain exports, together with representatives from Turkey and the United Nations.
As a result, a draft agreement was drawn up on safe export routes. The signing should follow this week, after another meeting between the countries.