Keysari, 25 July 2022 (TDI): the Defense Minister of Türkiye, Hulusi Akar, confirmed, on Sunday, that the Russia-Ukraine grain export deal will start working soon.
The Defense Minister during his visit to Keysari city told journalists that Türkiye has fulfilled its obligations of making the grain deal possible. He also informed the media that Türkiye would ensure the safe transfer of food to world markets.
The export deal between Russia and Ukraine:
Russia and Ukraine signed a deal on Friday to ensure the safe transfer of exports over the Black Sea. The agreement was signed under the observation of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
The ceremony took place at the Dolmabahce Palace in Istanbul. Defense Minister of Russia, Sergei Shoigu, and Ukrainian Infrastructure Minister, Oleksandr Kubrakov, signed the deal on behalf of their countries.
The purpose of the deal is to ensure the safe exchange of exports. Ukraine is one of the biggest exporters of grain. It could not export its grain to world markets due to the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, which has caused severe implications for the world, causing an acute food crisis.
With the signing of this deal, Ukraine can resume its exports and transport them to world markets under Türkiye’s surveillance.
Attack on Odesa’s port:
However, just a day after signing the deal, Odesa’s port was attacked by missiles. The port is one of the largest ports in the Black Sea under Ukraine’s control.
Ukraine had previously warned that even after signing the agreement, they would not tolerate Russia’s presence anywhere around their ports or ships.
They were also wary of trusting Russia. Nonetheless, they had put their hopes on implementing and addressing security concerns regarding their exports over the Black Sea on Türkiye and the UN.
Ukraine’s officials said their concerns were proven right with this attack on Odesa’s port. Ukraine’s President said that the strike showed how Moscow could not be trusted to stick with the deal.
Spokesperson of Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry, Oleg Nikolenko, while condemning the attack said that if Russia does not fulfill its agreement, it will have to bear full responsibility for the global food crisis.
It took less than 24 hours for Russia to launch a missile attack on Odesa’s port, breaking its promises and undermining its commitments before the UN and Türkiye under the Istanbul agreement. In case of non-fulfillment, Russia will bear full responsibility for global food crisis.
— Oleg Nikolenko (@OlegNikolenko_) July 23, 2022
Türkiye’s remarks:
Nevertheless, Türkiye’s Defense Minister confirmed that preparations were being made to implement the agreement. He said that all concerned parties are trying to resume transport over the Black Sea as soon as possible.
Hulusi Akar also said they were concerned and disturbed over the attack like everyone else. He said that the attack on Odesa soon after the agreement was signed was becoming a cause of increased tensions between Russia and Ukraine.
Moreover, he said he had talked with Russian officials about the attack. He said they assured him that Russia had nothing to do with the attack. The Defense Minister said Türkiye was investigating the issue deeply.
