The Kremlin has restated its stance regarding the Black Sea grain deal, noting that Moscow would re-engage once the portion pertaining to Russia had been executed.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov informed journalists that President Vladimir Putin had a conversation with Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday morning.
Two weeks ago, Moscow withdrew from the grain deal, citing ongoing hindrances to its grain and fertilizer exports.
The U.S. envoy to the United Nations remarked on Tuesday that there were “indications” of Russia’s potential interest in resuming discussions about the grain deal.
In a phone call with his Russian counterpart, Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed his commitment to reinstating the Black Sea grain deal and called on Russia to avoid escalating the conflict, as stated by Erdogan’s office.
The statement from the presidents office added, “President Erdogan expressed the importance of refraining from steps that could escalate tensions during the Russia-Ukraine war, emphasising the significance of the Black Sea initiative, which he described as a bridge of peace”.
Meanwhile, Putin says Russia will return to grain deal if expectations are met
Putin has told Turkey’s Erdogan that Moscow is ready to return to the Black Sea grain deal as soon as the West meets its obligations to Russia’s grain exports, the Kremlin said.
In a phone call with Erdogan, Putin also listed its reasons for exiting the deal last month.
According to a statement by the Turkish presidency, the two leaders also agreed that Putin would visit Turkey.
A senior Turkish official added that discussions between Ankara and Moscow are ongoing for a visit in late August.