Turkey’s Extension of Ukraine Grain Deal Nearing Completion

Turkey announced on Friday that negotiations were close to reaching an agreement to extend the deal permitting grain exports from Ukraine through the Black Sea in the wake of the Russian invasion.

In a recent statement, Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar expressed optimism about reaching an agreement to extend the grain deal.

Akar mentioned the discussions held this week in Istanbul among representatives from Turkey, Russia, Ukraine, and the United Nations.

The United States and Britain on Tuesday pressed Russia to extend again the deal, accusing Moscow of exploiting global hunger for advantage in the war.

The Black Sea Grain Initiative, in place since July after diplomacy by the United Nations and Turkey, allows Ukraine grain exports via port, helping ease shortages and resulting price spikes triggered by Russia’s invasion of the breadbasket nation.

But Russia has not committed to a third renewal before the deal expires on May 18.