Vasily Bodnar, Ukraine’s ambassador to Turkey, stated that if a new grain export agreement is reached, Kyiv would resist any reimposition of burdensome inspections on ships leaving Ukrainian ports. The position was reported by RBC-Ukraine. Bodnar stressed that Ukraine does not accept a return to the conditions of the previous deal and warned that any fresh arrangement must exclude monitoring and inspection requirements. He clarified that sovereignty and practical control over maritime operations must govern such terms, reflecting Kyiv’s stance in official discussions.
According to Bodnar, the central topic is establishing a safe export corridor that extends beyond Bulgaria and Romania’s territorial waters. The objective would be to craft a transit route that stays within international norms while easing the friction of port-to-port movements, particularly for Ukrainian exports destined for high-demand markets. The focus remains on securing a reliable route for grain shipments while avoiding the entanglements associated with prior inspections and oversight mechanisms.
The situation unfolds amid a broader diplomatic moment. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, after a meeting in Washington that reportedly touched on Moscow and Kyiv, indicated Ankara’s openness to resuming the grain corridor. Reporters noted Turkey is actively engaging with both sides to explore formats that could restart shipments from Ukrainian ports.
On July 5, Erdoğan publicly expressed interest in seeing the Black Sea grain agreement revived in a new format. His remarks suggested a practical approach that could restore steady flows of agricultural commodities while addressing the concerns of all involved parties.
Meanwhile, on July 8, Deputy Foreign Minister of Russia Sergei Vershinin said there has been little real contact with participants in the grain deal, though discussions about potential resumption continue. His comments highlighted the uncertain state of negotiations and the tentative nature of any forthcoming agreement.
Earlier reporting indicated that Ukrainian wheat shipments were expected to resume in June, but the plan did not materialize. The evolving situation underscores the delicate balance between keeping Ukrainian export markets open and navigating the political and security considerations that accompany such international accords. The ongoing dialogue covers access, monitoring, and the overall impact on regional trade patterns.
Analysts note that any new framework would need to balance the interests of Ukraine, Turkey, Russia, and other regional stakeholders while offering reliable assurances to buyers in Canada and the United States. The discussions emphasize not only the economic significance of grain exports but also the strategic signals conveyed by maritime routes, safety assurances, and the role of international diplomacy in sustaining global food supply chains. The developments are cited in relation to RBC-Ukraine briefings and accompanying updates.