grain exports
Russia signals readiness to back Ukrainian grain shipments from Black Sea ports through security guarantees. Moscow stresses it can ensure safe routes for ships once mines are cleared and port access resumes, aiming to avoid any use of this process for broader military aims.
According to officials, Russian and Turkish forces are coordinating plans to clear maritime lanes around Ukrainian ports, allowing grain exports to proceed. Moscow insists there has never been a hurdle from Russia to enable such shipments. A four‑way Istanbul meeting with representatives from the UN, Turkey, Russia, and Ukraine is proposed to discuss grain logistics, with Russia expressing openness to additional sessions in Istanbul. The Russian side also commends the UN’s interest while cautioning that symbolism alone will not advance the issue.
There is a claim that Western nations and Kyiv are framing grain movement as part of a broader food crisis, yet the grains from Ukraine constitute a small share of world wheat and other grains. This perspective is presented as evidence that the current dispute over exports does not equate to a global food shortage. The discussion continues with the suggestion that a sustained disagreement could become a standing irritant in Western relations, while Turkey notes that major steps could be taken if Ukraine clears mines or enables safe passage through dangerous zones.
Additional comments emphasize cooperation with Turkish partners to safeguard ships leaving Ukrainian ports and transiting straits, with Moscow stating readiness to participate in these arrangements. When a Ukrainian state media figure accused Russia of grain theft, the response underscored a commitment to declared aims in eastern Ukraine and a belief that grain can be transported to its destinations as planned, while inviting any commands to be issued clearly by authorities. The conversation also includes Turkish participation in a UN-backed plan, with Ankara ready to engage in a formal Istanbul meeting if all parties agree.
resumption of negotiations
Russia maintains that its special operation is progressing on a schedule and meeting objectives. Officials suggest Ukrainian leadership may have an interest in meeting with Moscow for symbolic reasons, yet emphasize that real progress depends on continued work by the negotiation teams. Moscow asserts that a draft agreement has been shared with Kyiv, and while there was a return to discussions in April, Kyiv has not provided a response.
There is a note that Zelensky’s recent remarks about withdrawing troops on a given date to restart talks were described as a serious approach by Russian officials. A former Ukrainian statement calling for Western anti-ship weapons is viewed as a provocative tension behind negotiations. The tone also covers criticism of Ukrainian diplomats for remarks seen as disrespectful toward foreign heads of state, with calls for more respectful dialogue emphasized. A Turkish counterpart replies that Turkey’s stance remains balanced and independent of external pressure, even as it notes the value of a constructive, multilateral process.
At another point, discussions touch on Syria, highlighting shared concerns about regional stability and the fight against terrorism. Both sides stress that agreements regarding Idlib and related de‑escalation efforts are being gradually implemented and that cooperation with Ankara continues. The leaders have previously discussed memoranda from 1919 and more recent understandings aimed at stabilizing the Idlib area, with both sides affirming their alignment on the broader objectives.