Turkey Hosts Talks on Safe Export of Ukrainian Grain as Global Food Prices Surge
Global food prices continue to rise sharply as the war in Ukraine disrupts supply chains. Against this backdrop, Turkey is hosting critical talks aimed at enabling the safe export of Ukrainian grain to international markets.
Ankara announced that military delegations from Turkey, Russia, and Ukraine, along with representatives from the United Nations, will meet in Istanbul on Wednesday. The discussions will focus on the safe maritime transfer of grain currently waiting in Ukrainian ports.
Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar confirmed the meeting on Tuesday. He stated that the delegations will address the safe passage of grain through sea routes under international coordination.
Rising Food Security Concerns
These talks come at a time when global food prices have reached record highs. The conflict in Ukraine, one of the world’s largest grain exporters, has intensified concerns over food security, particularly in developing regions.
Ukraine has faced severe difficulties exporting agricultural goods. Many ports along its southern coast remain blocked due to ongoing hostilities. According to official data, grain accounts for nearly 20 percent of Ukraine’s total exports.
Turkey’s Mediation Role
Turkey has emerged as a key mediator between the United Nations, Russia, and Ukraine. In recent weeks, Ankara has facilitated negotiations on a potential Black Sea maritime corridor to allow grain exports.
To break the deadlock, Turkey has sent defence and diplomatic delegations to both Moscow and Kyiv. These efforts aim to build trust and create conditions for a practical agreement.
Disputes and Russian Conditions
Kyiv has accused Moscow of removing grain from territories seized since the invasion began in late February. The Kremlin has denied these claims and describes the conflict as a “special military operation.”
Russia’s Foreign Ministry confirmed the Istanbul meeting but emphasized that Moscow has specific conditions. Ministry spokesperson Pyotr Ilyichev stated that Russia seeks the right to inspect vessels to prevent weapons smuggling. He also demanded guarantees from Kyiv to avoid provocations.
Russia added that the United Nations delegation will participate in the talks as observers.
United Nations Urges Caution
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres acknowledged progress but stressed that negotiations remain complex. “We are working hard, but there is still a way to go,” he told reporters. He added that quiet diplomacy remains preferable to public statements.
Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry reiterated that any solution should proceed under UN auspices. Spokesperson Oleg Nikolenko thanked the Secretary-General for his active efforts to secure safe grain exports while ensuring Ukraine’s regional security.
Maritime Corridor and Security Risks
A United Nations proposal envisions grain shipments traveling through designated maritime corridors that avoid known minefields. However, Ukraine has refused to de-mine its coastal waters.
Kyiv fears that removing mines could expose cities such as Odesa to potential amphibious attacks.
Source: Al Jazeera
