Ambassador Bodnar: Ukraine relies more on Erdogan for grain deal

UkrAgroConsult

Ukraine relies more on Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s political influence on Russia than on the negotiations of the parties to the grain deal. This was stated by Ukraine’s Ambassador to Turkey Vasyl Bodnar on the air of the Yedyni Novyny (United News) telethon.

Bodnar noted that the “grain deal” is important for both Ukraine and Turkey, as well as for many countries of the world to which grain is supplied. However, due to Russia’s recent actions, it is not actually working.

“In terms of diplomacy, some consultations or negotiations have been proposed and may take place this week or next – it is still in question. But, of course, the weight of political influence is much greater. We hope that in this case, President Erdogan will use all his capabilities to push Russia to fulfill its obligations in some way,” the diplomat said.

He also noted that the requirements put forward by the Russian side to extend the grain deal mostly have nothing to do with the deal itself or the parties with whom it is trying to negotiate.

“The participants in the grain initiative have nothing to do with the sanctions imposed on Russia by the EU and the US, such as the SWIFT or Rosselkhozbank issues. In this case, it is Russia’s attempt to show itself from a strong position, which it does not have,” Bodnar said.

According to him, in this situation it is important for Ukraine to have alternative options, which may include the passage of ships through the territorial waters of Romania and Bulgaria.

“The only question that arises in this regard is the issue of ship insurance and its cost, since the successful functioning of the “corridor” itself and the price of transportation depend on the availability of certain security guarantees,” the diplomat summarized.

As reported, on July 8, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said at a joint press conference with Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy that the country’s authorities are working to extend the Black Sea Grain Initiative and are making every effort to extend its validity for two years.

The grain deal is set to expire on July 17. Russia has already stated that it does not intend to extend it and demands that some sanctions be lifted and that it start buying its goods.

Further development of agri logistics in Ukraine and the Black Sea region will be discussed by leading agribusiness operators at the International Conference ‘BLACK SEA GRAIN & OIL’ on September 14 in Kyiv. Join us to find out the forecasts for the new 2023/24 season, prospects for investments, processing, logistics and exports for the recovery and development of Ukrainian agricultural industry.

Tags: Turkey, Black Sea grain corridor