Putin talks to Turkey, opens the way to carry grain from Ukraine port

Russian President Vladimir Putin – Photo: REUTERS

The Interfax news agency (Russia) quoted the Kremlin’s announcement as saying that Putin said the above in a phone call on May 30 with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan.

“Vladimir Putin noted that Russia is ready to facilitate the unimpeded carriage of goods by sea with the coordination of its Turkish partners. This also includes the export of grain from Ukrainian ports,” the Kremlin said in a statement.

Putin also reiterated that Russia could export a large amount of fertilizer and food in the event that sanctions against Russia are lifted.

“During the discussion on the situation in Ukraine, they emphasized the safety of cargo in the Black Sea and the Sea of ​​Azov,” the Kremlin said.

Meanwhile, according to Reuters news agency, Erdogan told Putin that peace should be established as soon as possible and that steps to build confidence should also be taken during the conflict in Ukraine.

Erdogan said that Ankara is ready to play a role in the monitoring mechanism between Russia, Ukraine and the United Nations (UN) if the parties can reach an agreement on this issue. The Turkish leader also stressed the importance of establishing peace as soon as possible and taking steps to build confidence in Ukraine.

Last week, a senior Turkish official, who asked not to be named, said the country was in talks with Russia and Ukraine about opening a corridor through the Bosphorus for grain exports from Ukraine. This negotiation is especially important at the moment when the world grain supply is in a tight situation due to the influence of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

A senior European Union (EU) diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that Turkey is ready to play a role in monitoring these exports from Odessa through the Black Sea. Currently, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has contacted Russia, Ukraine, Turkey, the US and the EU, seeking to become a mediator to reach a “package agreement” through which to help trade Ukraine’s food exports as well as Russian food and fertilizer exports.

Putin also had a phone conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on May 28.

During this phone call, Putin told the leaders of France and Germany that Russia is ready to help find options for the free export of grains, including the export of Ukrainian grain from ports in Ukraine. black Sea.

In addition, that day Putin also said that Moscow is ready to increase its exports of fertilizers and agricultural products if sanctions against Russia are lifted by the West.

Russia and Ukraine are major suppliers of wheat, accounting for about 30% of total global exports, mainly through the Black Sea. In addition, these two countries also account for about 80% of total global sunflower oil exports. Ukraine is also a major corn exporter.