Turkey Seeks New Grain Deal as Black Sea Conflict Escalates

Turkey is pushing for a new agreement between Russia and Ukraine to allow grain exports via the Black Sea, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said. The minister stated that Turkey is in contact with both Kyiv and Moscow on this matter.

The current agreement expired in 2023 after being put in place following the war's start in 2022. Fidan emphasized the need for restraint due to drone attacks on ships in the Black Sea, which pose a threat not only to regional security but also to global food security.

Russia and Ukraine are among the world's leading wheat exporters, with their supplies being crucial to preventing price hikes and shortages. The situation regarding Russia's war against Ukraine and the naval conflict in the Black Sea will be discussed during a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Kyrgyzstan.