Turkey’s foreign minister, Hakan Fidan, spoke during a press conference in Kiev about the ongoing debate over grain deliveries. He stressed that new routes proposed as replacements for the existing grain agreement are neither efficient nor safe, warning that they could complicate logistics and raise risk for shippers. The remarks were carried by the Turkish news agency Anatolia, underscoring Ankara’s stance on keeping the current corridor in place while exploring improvements elsewhere. Fidan emphasized that while diversification of routes might appear appealing, concrete assurances about reliability, speed, and quality control are essential before any shifts are considered.
Fidan added that Turkey is devoting substantial effort to restart and secure the Black Sea grain initiative. He pointed out that, under the existing framework, the program has already facilitated the movement of more than 33 million tons of grain, a figure he cited to illustrate its significance for global food security and regional stability. The minister argued that reactivating the mechanism would best serve affected farmers, importing countries, and allies who rely on steady access to staple crops, while also reinforcing supply chains facing disruptions elsewhere.
A few hours earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with members of his office to assess the situation along the Black Sea grain corridor. The discussions focused on the safety and reliability of shipments, as well as the potential risks to vessels and crews that navigate through contested waters. The conversations reflected Kyiv’s ongoing priority of ensuring uninterrupted grain exports to international markets, especially those regions most sensitive to price fluctuations and supply shortages, and underscored the need for coordinated measures to protect maritime routes.
In Moscow, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov reiterated Moscow’s position on the grain deal. He stated that Russia would consider returning to the agreement only if all obligations under the pact are truly fulfilled. Lavrov’s remarks signaled continued skepticism about compliance and highlighted the demand for concrete steps from the other parties involved, including assurances on sanctions relief, monitoring, and the timely execution of commitments that Russia has tied to its participation.
Earlier statements from Türkiye indicated a willingness to keep negotiations ongoing with the United Nations, Russia, and Ukraine regarding the grain agreement. Turkish officials had signaled that discussions would continue to seek a viable path forward that addresses concerns about security, shipping lanes, insurance, and fuel costs, while also protecting the interests of Turkish exporters and regional partners. The evolving dialogue reflects Ankara’s aim to balance humanitarian needs with practical considerations for international trade and regional diplomacy.