Ukraine has asked Turkey and the United Nations to begin talks that would extend the grain deal, but no reply has come yet. A source in the Ukrainian government relayed the information to Reuters, noting that time is pressing as March 18 approaches.
A Ukrainian spokesperson emphasized the urgency: “As March 18 is very soon, we have sent a letter requesting to start solving this problem, but we still have not received any response.” The statement highlights Kiev’s desire to keep momentum on a pact that allows agricultural shipments to flow more freely in the region. (Reuters)
Earlier, a report from RIA Novosti, citing someone familiar with the negotiations, described expectations that Turkey and the United Nations were seeking reinforced guarantees. These guarantees would address the release of Russian agricultural products and ammonia into international markets, a move expected to help extend the grain deal and ensure smoother operations across trade routes. The source pointed to ongoing obstacles in logistics, insurance, and payment arrangements as key barriers that could delay progress. (RIA Novosti)
The grain agreement in question traces back to the talks held in Moscow on July 22, 2022, when Russia, Turkey, Ukraine, and the United Nations reached a framework aimed at enabling safe export of food and fertilizer. The understanding allowed Russia to permit shipments of grain, food, and fertilizer to Ukraine from several ports, including Odessa. Over time, the arrangement has been tested by geopolitical tensions, sanctions, and the operational realities of large-scale commodity movements. (Historical context)
As the parties consider next steps, officials in Kyiv have underscored that any extension would depend on credible assurances that allow Russian agricultural products and related inputs to reach global markets without disruption. Analysts note that the arrangement’s continuation hinges on concrete progress in insurance coverage, payment mechanisms, and the reliability of logistics chains. The discussions reflect a broader effort to stabilize grain flows in a region where agricultural exports play a critical role for both domestic supply and international buyers. (Experts’ analysis)