Russia and key international partners announced a pair of signed documents in Istanbul aimed at easing the movement of food and fertilizer to global markets. The package includes a memorandum addressing the removal of export restrictions on Russian agricultural products and fertilizers, alongside a separate agreement outlining procedures for exporting Ukrainian agricultural goods from Black Sea ports. Russia participated in the ceremony through Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu. A Joint Coordination Center will be established in Istanbul to handle any incidents related to Ukrainian grain shipments, with operations beginning within two weeks. The United Nations foresees the potential to move up to five million tons of grain each month from Ukrainian ports.
What did Moscow accept?
Two documents were signed in Istanbul to resolve continued supply challenges for food and fertilizer in world markets. These papers are presented as a connected framework, with both parts reinforcing a single package according to Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu.
He explained that the first document is a memorandum detailing UN involvement in removing export barriers for Russian agricultural products and fertilizers. The second document sets out the algorithm for exporting Ukrainian agricultural products from Black Sea ports. The agreement covers exports from Odessa, Chernomorsk, and Yuzhny. The term initially runs for 120 days with a potential extension. Kyiv is responsible for ensuring security in Ukrainian territorial waters, including demining obligations.
Shoigu indicated that Russia assumes certain obligations and will refrain from exploiting any opening of Black Sea ports for its own gain.
A different source within RIA Novosti, familiar with the document, noted a three year term.
Statements from the UN
A senior UN official stated that if any party seeks to terminate the agreement, they must provide a three month written notice before the expected date of termination. The memorandum is described as not constituting an international agreement and not creating rights or obligations under international law. The UN expects that Ukrainian ports could ship up to five million tons of grain each month.
The memorandum provides for ships bound for Ukraine to be inspected by representatives from Russia, Ukraine, Turkey, and the United Nations. A Joint Coordination Center will oversee inspection teams, largely staffed by military personnel, based in Istanbul. Ukrainian pilots will guide ships through a preplanned safe corridor as they depart from the Black Sea.
According to the document, routes will be safeguarded by minesweepers. Complete cleansing of all Ukrainian territorial waters is not anticipated due to time constraints. The agreement does not call for military escorts on the ships. The Armed Forces of Ukraine and the Ukrainian Navy deem the routes to be secure.
Officials emphasize that ship movements will be monitored in real time and that this monitoring will apply to the controlled area as a standard practice in global shipping, while no military escorts are provided.
The UN representative added that Moscow and Kyiv agreed not to attack ships carrying Ukrainian agricultural products. In case of an incident, the Joint Coordination Center would manage resolution. A UN source noted that the memorandum includes Russian assistance for exporting Ukrainian food, including sunflower oil, and that Russia and the UN will establish a mechanism for information exchange on product and fertilizer exports.
Western response
From the UN side, Secretary-General António Guterres signed the memorandum and described Istanbul as a pivotal moment for global food security. He called the agreement an unprecedented step that could help feed vulnerable populations worldwide. He later conveyed via social media that the grain corridor for Ukrainian exports represented hope, opportunity, and relief.
European leaders welcomed the move. The head of European diplomacy, Josep Borrell, described the agreement as a positive step and urged swift implementation. The President of the European Council, Charles Michel, highlighted the need for strict adherence to the terms of the deal and reiterated the potential benefits for millions around the world.