Tag

Grain Deal

All articles tagged with #grain deal

international-relations1 year ago

"Ukrainian Forces Deal Major Blows to Russian Black Sea Fleet and Enemy Drones"

Ukraine claims to have inflicted significant damage on Russia's Black Sea Fleet, including the destruction of a missile ship and other vessels, as part of a months-long campaign. The fleet has reportedly suffered around 25 losses out of its initial 80 vessels, with an additional 15 under repair. This comes after Russia refused to renew a U.N.-brokered grain deal, leading Ukraine to retaliate and ensure the trade of vital grains. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy declared that the fleet is no longer capable of operating in the western part of the Black Sea, while Russia plans to build a new naval base in a breakaway region of Georgia.

international-relations2 years ago

Ukraine welcomes first cargo ships as Russia withdraws from grain agreement

Two cargo ships have docked in Ukraine's port of Chornomorsk, marking the first civilian vessels to arrive since Russia withdrew from a grain deal. The temporary Black Sea corridor established by Ukraine aims to evacuate ships stuck in Ukrainian ports since the war broke out. The ships will be delivering 20,000 tons of wheat to Africa and Asia. Russia's withdrawal from the deal has led to increased attacks on the Odesa region's port infrastructure and grain silos. Ukraine has sought alternative transport routes, but land transport costs are higher, and the Danube's ports struggle to handle the same volume as seaports.

international-relations2 years ago

Ukrainian port welcomes first cargo ships post-Russian grain deal exit

Two cargo ships have arrived in the Ukrainian port of Chornomorsk, using a temporary Black Sea corridor established by Ukraine after Russia's withdrawal from a grain deal. The ships are the first civilian vessels to reach the Odesa ports since Russia exited the agreement. Ukraine's economy heavily relies on farming, and the country had been exporting its grain safely under a UN and Turkey-brokered deal. However, Russia withdrew from the agreement, leading Ukraine to reroute transport through the Danube River and road and rail links into Europe. The interim Black Sea corridor was opened due to concerns of possible Russian attacks on civilian vessels.

international-relations2 years ago

Erdogan: Bleak Outlook for Peace between Russia and Ukraine

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated after a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin that there is currently no promising prospect of peace between Russia and Ukraine. Erdogan emphasized Turkey's commitment to peace, dialogue, and diplomacy and expressed readiness to act as a mediator. He also discussed the UN's proposals for resuming the grain corridor and stated that Turkey is prepared to contribute to achieving a just and durable peace based on international law. The revival of the grain agreement between Russia and Turkey is contingent on the lifting of international sanctions on Russian agricultural exports and a softening of Ukraine's stance.

international-relations2 years ago

Erdogan's Crucial Russia Visit: Securing Grain Deal

Turkish President Erdogan and Russian President Putin will discuss the Black Sea grain deal during their meeting, as Turkey aims to bring Moscow back to the agreement. The deal affects Ukraine's grain exports, which have been disrupted since Russia withdrew from a previous agreement. The issue involves technical complexities and international payment systems, making the decision of the Russian leader crucial.

international-relations2 years ago

Erdogan's Quest for Improved Russo-Turkish Relations Amid Lingering Distrust

Turkish President Erdogan seeks to improve his strained relationship with Russian President Putin during his visit to Sochi. Erdogan aims to restore the grain deal with Moscow, which would enhance his international standing ahead of the UN General Assembly. However, distrust lingers between the two leaders due to recent developments, including Turkey's support for Ukraine's NATO membership and the release of Ukrainian commanders captured by Russia. While economic ties between Turkey and Russia remain strong, differences on various issues persist. The outcome of the grain deal remains uncertain, as Russia demands guarantees on its fertilizer and grain exports from Western capitals.

international-relations2 years ago

Russia Demands Fulfillment of Commitments for Grain Deal Reactivation

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that Russia will reactivate the agreement on the export of Ukrainian grain via the Black Sea when the West fulfills its commitments. Lavrov accused the West of interfering with Russia's agricultural product and fertilizer exports, which led to Russia withdrawing from the agreement in July. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan emphasized the importance of resuming the agreement during his visit to Moscow, but Lavrov insisted on concrete guarantees before Russia returns to the deal. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has proposed concrete measures to relaunch the agreement, but Lavrov expressed skepticism, stating that there are currently only promises and no guarantees.

international-relations2 years ago

"Russia and Turkey Discuss Alternative to Black Sea Deal as Ukraine's Grain Deal and Syria Talks Stall"

Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan will discuss a proposal for an alternative to the Black Sea grain deal, which Russia pulled out of last month. Under the plan, Russia would send a million tons of grain to Turkey at a discounted price, with financial support from Qatar, to be processed in Turkey and sent to countries most in need. Russia claims that the alternative proposal is a more optimal solution than the previous deal, as it believes too little grain was reaching the poorest countries.

international-relations2 years ago

Kremlin Downplays Second Vessel's Passage through Ukraine's Black Sea Corridor

The Kremlin downplayed the significance of a second ship passing through Ukraine's temporary Black Sea corridor, stating that it has no connection to the revival of a grain deal involving Russia. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov reiterated that the renewal of the grain deal depends on the West fulfilling promises regarding Russia's own grain and fertilizer exports. Russia's grain and fertilizer exports are not subject to Western sanctions, but logistical and financial barriers have hindered shipments. The temporary corridor established by Ukraine aims to release cargo ships trapped in its ports since Russia's military actions in 2022.

international-relations2 years ago

Renewal of Black Sea Deal Discussed by Ukrainian and Turkish Foreign Ministers

The foreign ministers of Ukraine and Turkey have expressed the need to renew the Black Sea grain deal, which allowed for the safe export of Ukrainian grain until Russia withdrew from the agreement last month. Turkey is urging Russia to return to the deal, stating that alternative solutions are less effective. Ukraine has announced a "humanitarian corridor" in the Black Sea to release trapped cargo ships, but both ministers believe that the Black Sea grain deal remains the optimal solution and are working towards its revival.

international-relations2 years ago

Blinken Condemns Russia's Use of Food as a Weapon in Ukraine

Secretary of State Antony Blinken has warned Russia to stop using food as a "weapon of war" in Ukraine, as officials from the US and other countries plan to push for this at the United Nations Security Council. Russia recently announced its decision to end participation in a Black Sea grain deal, which has led to concerns about food scarcity and the harm it could cause to vulnerable populations. Blinken hopes that Russia will engage with international leaders on grain shipments out of Ukraine, as 91 countries have already signed up to not use food as a weapon of war.

economics2 years ago

Mideast Countries Brace for Price Hikes as Russia Withdraws from Grain Deal

The suspension of a grain deal between Russia and Ukraine, brokered by the U.N. and Turkey, has raised concerns about rising food prices in lower-income Middle Eastern countries like Egypt, Lebanon, and Pakistan. These countries, already struggling with economic woes, fear that increased food prices could worsen poverty levels and strain government finances. While some have diversified their wheat sources and don't expect shortages, the uncertainty surrounding price hikes could exacerbate hunger. The end of the grain deal also puts pressure on governments to maintain bread subsidies and avoid raising costs for households. Egypt, the world's largest wheat importer, relies heavily on imports from Russia and Ukraine, while Lebanon depends on Ukraine for 90% of its wheat. Pakistan, however, has seen a bumper crop this year despite previous flooding.

international-relations2 years ago

Erdogan Urges Putin to Resume Grain Deal Amid Ukraine Tensions

Turkish President Erdogan urged Russian President Putin not to escalate tensions in the Russia-Ukraine war after Moscow targeted facilities vital for grain shipments from Ukraine. Erdogan emphasized the significance of the collapsed grain deal, which allowed for safe passage of Ukraine's grain exports on the Black Sea, and vowed to continue diplomatic efforts to re-establish the agreement. Ukraine reported that Russia had struck port infrastructure in Odesa, damaging or destroying grain facilities. Erdogan warned that the long-term inactivation of the grain deal would harm countries in need and lead to increased grain prices. The two leaders also discussed Putin's visit to Turkey, but no timetable was given.

international-relations2 years ago

Russia's Potential Return to Black Sea Grain Deal Talks Raises Questions

The United States has stated that Russia has expressed readiness to resume talks on a deal that allowed the safe export of Ukrainian grain from the Black Sea, but no evidence of this has been seen yet. Russia withdrew from the deal on July 17 and has demanded improvements in its own grain and fertilizer exports before considering its return. The U.S. envoy to the United Nations emphasized that Russia needs to return to the deal if it wants to facilitate its own agricultural transactions. The U.N. Secretary-General is continuing efforts to bring Russia back into the agreement.

international-relations2 years ago

"Leaders at Russia-Africa Summit Fail to Secure Grain Deal or Peace Path for Ukraine"

African leaders attending the Russia-Africa summit have left without securing a deal to resume grain shipments from Ukraine or finding a path to end the war in Ukraine. Russian President Vladimir Putin promised to share some grain revenues with the "poorest nations" but provided no details. He also pledged to send 25,000 to 50,000 tons of free grain to six African nations, a fraction of what the UN World Food Program had previously shipped. The summit saw fewer African leaders in attendance compared to the previous gathering, reflecting concerns over Russia's invasion of Ukraine. African leaders called for peace and an end to the war, but Putin questioned the need to pause fire while being attacked. The next significant peace summit for Ukraine is organized by Saudi Arabia, excluding Russia. African nations emphasized the need for concrete results and improving the trade balance with Russia.