Ukraine warns Turkey against supporting Putin’s plan to export Russian grain

Ukraine warns the Turkish authorities against supporting Russia’s grain export proposal, which excludes the unblocking of Ukrainian ports under the Black Sea Grain Initiative. This is stated in the commentary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine in connection with the emergence of information about Russia’s attempts to establish grain exports in the Black Sea without resuming exports from Ukrainian ports.

“Consideration of the possibility of supporting Russia’s grain exports in the Black Sea without resuming exports of Ukrainian grain from Ukrainian ports will deal a serious blow to international obligations and international law, encourage Moscow to further aggressive actions and strengthen its sense of impunity,” the Foreign Ministry said.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reminded that after withdrawing from the Black Sea Grain Initiative, Russia began systematically destroying the infrastructure of Ukrainian ports and grain storage facilities with missile strikes.

“Such actions were aimed at preventing further exports of Ukrainian grain by sea, reducing supply on global markets and raising food prices for its own benefit. At the same time, in flagrant violation of international law, the Russian army continues to obstruct navigation in the Black Sea,” the statement said.

The ministry emphasizes that Ukraine, as one of the guarantors of global food security, is interested in restoring the Black Sea Grain Initiative to continue exporting Ukrainian agricultural products to foreign markets, particularly in Africa and Asia. At the same time, Ukraine is actively working to launch alternative routes.

“In this context, we expect that Turkey, which has repeatedly reaffirmed its unshakable position on the preservation and strict observance of international law, as well as other parties involved, will use their authority to prevent Russia’s attempts to violate international obligations again and blackmail the world with new food crises,” the Foreign Ministry added.

As reported, Russia is offering Turkey and Qatar a scheme for exporting Russian grain that excludes Ukraine’s participation.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan plans to meet with Vladimir Putin on September 4 in Sochi. It is expected that the main topic of Erdogan’s talks with Putin will be the Black Sea Grain Initiative, which Russia disrupted last month.

Tags: Russia, Turkey, grain, Ukraine