Russia, Turkey discuss Ukrainian grain transit

Web Desk

22nd Jun, 2022. 05:00 pm
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Turkey has offered to help Ukrainian warships get through known minefields.
This is based on a proposal from the U.N. Russia has denied many times that it is blocking the passage of cargo ships carrying Ukrainian grain.
Instead, it blames the food shortage on sanctions that the West has put on Russia.

MOSCOW: The Russian defence ministry announced on Wednesday that a Turkish defence delegation was in Moscow for discussions aimed at resuming grain exports from Ukraine over the Black Sea.

Since Russia committed soldiers to its pro-Western neighbour, Ukraine, millions of tonnes of wheat and other crops have been stranded in Ukrainian ports, causing global hunger and food price concerns.

“The parties discussed the safe exit of Turkish merchant ships and the export of grain from Ukrainian ports, as well as approaches to ensuring safe navigation in the Black Sea,“ the ministry said in a statement issued Tuesday following the meeting.

Russia has denied many times that it is blocking the passage of cargo ships carrying Ukrainian grain. Instead, it blames the food shortage on the sanctions that the West has put on Russia.

Turkey, which has good relationships with both Moscow and Kyiv, has offered to help Ukrainian warships get through known minefields. This is based on a proposal from the United Nations.