The war in Ukraine. Extension of the Ukrainian grain export deal

Extension of the Ukrainian grain export agreement. “Following the talks with the two parties (Ukraine and Russia, editor’s note), we were keen to extend the agreement, which was scheduled to expire on March 19,” the Turkish head of state confirmed, without giving further details.

Ankara had said earlier that it hoped for a 120-day extension, while Russia insisted on 60 days. On Saturday, Ukraine’s infrastructure minister thanked the United Nations and Turkey for the “120-day” extension.

This agreement is of vital importance to the global food supply. Mr. Erdogan also announced his thanks to Russia and Ukraine, who have spared no effort to extend the new agreement, as well as the Secretary-General of the United Nations.

Exported nearly 25 million tons of grain

Black Sea Grain Initiative It was signed in July 2022 By Ukraine, Russia and Turkey, with the help of the United Nations, alleviated the global food crisis caused by the war in Ukraine by allowing the export of nearly 25 million tons of corn, wheat and other grains.

According to its terms, the agreement was to be automatically extended for the same period (for a period of 120 days) unless one party notifies the other of its intention to terminate or amend the agreement. It was actually extended by 120 days in November, to Saturday, March 18 at 11:59 PM Istanbul time (8:59 PM GMT).

But on March 13, Russia, unhappy with the implementation of a second agreement to facilitate its own fertilizer exports, indicated that it had only accepted a 60-day extension. Since then, the United Nations has done everything it can to save this mechanism that has helped calm soaring prices since the invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022.