Ukraine signs agreement on unblocking grain exports with Turkey, UN secretary

In Istanbul, Ukraine’s representatives, Turkey and UN Secretary-General António Guterres have signed an agreement to resume Ukrainian grain exports, which had been blocked by the russian army at the Black Sea ports.

The ceremony took place at the Dolmabahce Palace. The signatories included Infrastructure Minister Oleksandr Kubrakov, Turkey’s Defence Minister Hulusi Akar and UN Secretary General Antonio Gutteres as mediator.

Gutteres noted in his speech that it was not easy to reach the deal.

“Today we have made important steps. In April, I met President Putin and President Zelenskyy to resolve the issue, and since then work has gone on every day,” he said.

Erdogan, for his part, expressed hope that the signed document was useful for Ukraine, russia and the rest of the world.

Ukraine signed the agreement with no other but Turkey and the UN, not with russia. russia, for its part, signed a similar agreement. The russian side was the first to sign. The agreement stipulates that control of the ports of Odesa, Chornomorsk and Pivdennyy remains entirely with the Ukrainian side. No other ships other than those intended for export of grain and related food products will be in these ports.

There will be no escorting of ships by russian ships and representatives of the aggressor in Ukrainian ports.

“All inspections of transport ships will be carried out by joint teams in Turkish waters if such a need arises,” Mykhaylo Podolyak, an adviser to the head of the presidential office, said.

No easing of sanctions against russia in exchange for the agreement is envisaged.

The signing ceremony was broadcast by Suspilne.

Tags: Ukraine, Russia, Turkey, export, grain, blocking ports, war