The Turkish leadership, led by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, spoke with President Vladimir Putin by phone to acknowledge Russia’s recent decision on the Istanbul grain agreements. In the conversation, the Turkish side welcomed Russia’s willingness to extend the arrangements governing Ukrainian grain exports for a defined window, reflecting a coordinated effort to keep global markets stable while addressing food security concerns. The discussion highlighted the broader aim of ensuring predictable shipments and reducing disruption to farmers and buyers relying on these exports to meet demand in a tight market season.
According to official summaries, the Turkish president described Russia’s move to prolong the Istanbul agreements as a constructive step. The message conveyed that Erdogan viewed the 60-day extension as a practical compromise, designed to maintain free flow for grain and related products while negotiations continue on longer terms. This interpretation underscores Ankara’s interest in a steady, transparent framework that can reassure international buyers and shipping companies navigating a complex geopolitical landscape.
Observers note that the core objective remains the unblocking of Russian food and fertilizer supplies alongside the corridors that enable grain exports from Ukrainian ports. By keeping these channels open, the parties aim to alleviate pressure on global food markets, support agricultural producers, and sustain humanitarian and commercial flows that communities depend on for stability and price predictability during a volatile period.
On March 17, the Kremlin press secretary publicly confirmed the 60-day extension, signaling a continuing emphasis on near-term continuity within the grain agreement. This renewal aligns with Moscow’s strategic posture of balancing international commitments with its own economic and logistical realities, including the challenges of coordinating large-scale shipments and ensuring compliance across multiple ports and consignments.
The Russian deputy foreign minister commented on the decision, explaining that the choice to extend for 60 days rather than a longer term was influenced by progress gaps in Russia’s own food and fertilizer supply chains. The remark points to a pragmatic approach: sustain the flow of essential commodities while addressing internal bottlenecks and facilitating constructive dialogue aimed at broader, longer-term arrangements. The dialogue remains focused on securing reliable access to global markets, reducing volatility, and supporting farmers who rely on predictable export opportunities to plan and invest for the upcoming planting season.