In a pivotal meeting, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to reconsider the critical agreement that permitted Ukraine to export grains and other essential commodities from Black Sea ports, even amid the conflict with Russia. This agreement, brokered by Turkey and the United Nations, lapsed in July, raising concerns about global food supplies, particularly in Africa, West Asia, and Asia, as both Ukraine and Russia are major wheat, barley, and sunflower oil suppliers.
Erdogan emphasized the importance of the grain deal during their talks in Sochi, Russia, while Putin acknowledged the discussions about the Ukraine crisis. Russia previously terminated the deal, citing unfulfilled promises related to Russian exports and trade restrictions, despite its record wheat shipments.
This meeting occurred against the backdrop of Ukraine’s counteroffensive against Russia’s invasion, adding complexity to the discussions. Experts anticipate challenging negotiations, as Putin wields food as an economic weapon to secure concessions. Turkey, while maintaining ties with Russia, also supports Ukraine and has been a crucial logistics hub for Russian trade.
While Putin and Erdogan have a close rapport, their discussions hold substantial implications for global food security and regional geopolitics, with Russia’s role as a key grain supplier at the forefront of the negotiation.