Turkey Claims New Black Sea Grain Deal in Works with Moscow, Kyiv

Turkey’s Foreign Minister has announced that Ankara has developed a comprehensive plan to facilitate the safe transportation of grain through the Black Sea, and is currently engaged in discussions with both Moscow and Kyiv on the proposal.

According to Kathimerini (EN), Hakan Fidan disclosed the initiative during a press conference held in Constantinople on Monday, signaling Turkey’s continued efforts to restore critical grain export routes disrupted by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

The Foreign Minister confirmed that Turkish officials have drafted detailed proposals and are maintaining active dialogue with both warring parties. If the necessary conditions emerge, we are working in particular to achieve another agreement similar to the grain deal, Fidan stated during his remarks in Constantinople.

Revival of Critical Export Corridor

Turkey has consistently signaled its readiness to resurrect the UN-brokered arrangement that previously enabled Ukrainian grain shipments to reach global markets despite active hostilities. The proposed plan represents Ankara’s latest attempt to position itself as a key mediator in the region’s economic security.

The original Black Sea Grain Initiative, mediated jointly by Turkey and the United Nations, was established in July 2022. The agreement successfully facilitated the safe export of approximately 33 million metric tons of Ukrainian grain through Black Sea shipping lanes during wartime conditions.

Moscow’s Withdrawal and Ongoing Challenges

Russia formally withdrew from the grain corridor agreement in 2023, citing what it described as significant obstacles facing its own food and fertilizer exports. Moscow’s exit from the arrangement effectively suspended the safe passage mechanism that had helped stabilize global grain supplies and mitigate food security concerns in vulnerable markets.

The Turkish initiative comes as global food prices remain sensitive to disruptions in Ukrainian agricultural exports, which represent a substantial portion of worldwide grain supply. Whether Moscow and Kyiv will find common ground on Turkey’s new proposal remains uncertain, as both parties continue to maintain divergent positions on conditions for resuming safe commercial shipping in the Black Sea.

With information from Kathimerini (EN)