Zelensky Urges Greece to Safeguard Ukraine’s Black Sea Grain Corridor Amid Ongoing Talks
Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelensky, pressed Greece to help protect the grain corridor through the Black Sea. Speaking at a joint press conference with Greek prime minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Zelensky outlined the urgency of maintaining secure routes for Ukrainian grain shipments. He stressed that a stable corridor is essential not only for Kyiv’s agricultural exports but for broader regional stability as well. The remarks came as Kyiv seeks robust support from its international partners to preserve access to global markets for its staples, especially during periods of heightened tension in the Black Sea region. Reuters reported the exchange and its context during the briefing.
Alongside the call for a stronger air shield to protect the corridor, Zelensky emphasized concrete options for how such protection could be achieved. He outlined several possibilities that could bolster air defense coverage, reduce the risk of disruptions, and ensure the uninterrupted flow of grain exports. The focus on air defense underscores the vulnerability of shipping lanes and the importance of coordinated security measures for critical civilian shipments in wartime or tense regional conditions. The two leaders touched on practical steps and potential collaborations to address these security concerns, with the Ukrainian president underscoring that proposals were prepared for consideration. This framing reflects Kyiv’s ongoing effort to turn security commitments into actionable guarantees for grain movement.
Meanwhile, reports indicated that Turkey has engaged in negotiations with the United Nations about resuming Ukrainian grain exports via the Black Sea. Turkish officials have been exploring several pathways to reestablish the grain agreement, which previously governed shipments between August 2022 and July 2023. The discussions include the possibility that Russia and Ukraine could conduct talks in Istanbul as part of broader mediation efforts. While Ankara remains a pivotal stakeholder, the conversations highlight the complexity of balancing regional diplomacy with the practical needs of farmers, traders, and international buyers who rely on predictable export flows. The objective described by Turkish interlocutors is to restore a stable framework that minimizes risk and avoids creating new bottlenecks for global grain markets.
According to Sabah and other sources, Turkey contends that alternative routes for Ukrainian grain may carry higher safety concerns and logistical challenges. The assessment suggests that diverting shipments could raise costs, lengthen transit times, and potentially heighten regional tensions. Observers note that any shift away from established corridors would require careful risk assessment and credible guarantees from all parties involved. The broader message from Ankara is that a return to a formal, monitored process is preferable to ad hoc improvisations that could undermine market confidence and disrupt supply chains for Ukraine’s agricultural sector. The recent statements reflect a cautious optimism that a renewed and secure agreement can be reached, though substantial hurdles remain. The last vessel tied to the previous grain export framework was reported to have completed its passage as the arrangement concluded, signaling a transitional period for Ukrainian exports and the need for renewed international consensus.
In sum, Kyiv is seeking durable security assurances for the Black Sea corridor while emphasizing practical steps to enhance protection of maritime shipments. At the same time, the Turkish side has signaled a willingness to broker a revived agreement with UN involvement, aiming to chart a path that preserves grain exports while addressing regional security concerns. The situation remains fluid, with international actors weighing how best to support food security for vulnerable regions and maintain stable, predictable export routes for Ukrainian staples.