A Ukrainian delegation led by the Minister of Infrastructure of Ukraine, Oleksandr Kubrakov, arrived in Turkey, in the city of Istanbul, for negotiations on the resolution of the grain issue. The Defense Minister, Sergei Shoigu, arrived there from Russia.
As part of the visit, the Ukrainian side has already held a meeting with the Secretary General of the United Nations Organization, Antonio Guterres, regarding the unblocking of sea ports for the export of food and safety guarantees for ships. The UN declared that they support the unblocking of Ukrainian ports and emphasized that security is an undisputed priority of the UN.
At this meeting today, July 22, the parties are to sign an agreement to unblock ports for food exports. Mykhailo Podolyak, adviser to the head of the Presidentʼs Office, clarified that Ukraine is not signing a grain agreement with Russia. Ukraine signs an agreement with Turkey and the UN, and Russia signs a mirror agreement with Turkey and the UN.
- On July 14, the parties previously agreed on the unblocking of three Ukrainian ports: Odesa, Pivdenny and Chornomorsk. The mechanism is as follows: grain can be sent from three ports in convoys accompanied by Ukrainian warships. Protection will be in place on their route, demining will be partially carried out. The Turkish Navy will check empty ships arriving at Ukrainian ports. The UN will establish a command and control center in Istanbul to monitor the level of threats to ships.
- Since the beginning of the invasion, Russian troops have been blocking exports from Ukrainian ports, as a result of which products have to be exported by rail and road. Western partners offered to build granaries near the border, negotiate with Russia, but they are not ready for military unblocking of roads. Meanwhile, Russia continues to steal Ukrainian grain, exporting it to Crimea, Syria and Turkey.