Turkey has signaled its intention to extend the grain export corridor for a minimum of six additional months, a stance articulated by Öztürk Yılmaz, who serves as the deputy chair of the Innovation Party and is a member of the Grand National Assembly. This clarification was reported by the agency TASS, which highlighted the deputy’s emphasis on Ankara’s strategic priorities in the global grain market. Yılmaz underlined that Turkey views a prolonged extension as essential given the current global demand for agricultural products and the need to stabilize supplies in several regions. (citation: TASS)
According to the deputy, the extension is not just a domestic concern but a global one. He stated that Turkey will push to prolong the period for at least six more months, arguing that the world’s food needs make continued export routes through the Black Sea critical for many countries. The remarks reflect Ankara’s broader objective of maintaining uninterrupted access to international markets for grain and related commodities. (citation: TASS)
The corridor for exporting Ukrainian agricultural products through the Black Sea, with operations centered in Istanbul, was initially established through a quartet agreement signed on July 22 by representatives of Russia, Turkey, Ukraine, and the United Nations. The accord envisaged a 120-day framework during which ships would be subject to inspections to prevent the smuggling of weapons and to deter any provocations that could disrupt the flow of grain. This mechanism was designed to ensure safe passage while addressing security concerns raised by all parties involved. (citation: United Nations records and multiple agencies)
On October 29, following an attack by Ukrainian forces on ships belonging to Russia’s Black Sea Fleet in Sevastopol Bay, Moscow announced the suspension of its participation in the grain agreement for an indefinite period. A few days later, on November 2, President Vladimir Putin stated that Moscow reserved the right to withdraw from the grain deal should Kyiv violate its terms. Kyiv responded by insisting that the corridor would not be used for military purposes, underscoring the shared intention to keep civilian trade separate from combat operations. (citation: multiple international outlets)
In mid-February, RIA Novosti reported, citing unnamed sources, that Turkey and Russia could engage in high-level talks about the grain deal in the near future. At that time, no concrete schedule was disclosed for negotiations, but the possibility of diplomatic engagement at the highest levels remained on the table as parties assessed options to stabilize exports and prevent market disruption. (citation: RIA Novosti)