Ukraine, Russia Ink Grain Export Deal Hatched By UN, Turkey

Russia and Ukraine signed separate agreements on Friday, July 22, 2022, with Turkey and the UN clearing the way for the transport of millions of tons of badly needed Ukrainian grain, as well as some Russian grain and fertilizer, over the Black Sea.

Photo Insert: Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and Ukrainian Infrastructure Minister Oleksandr Kubrakov signed separate, similar agreements Friday in Istanbul with Guterres and Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar in the presence of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

According to Ayse Wieting and Suzan Fraser of the Associated Press (AP), the long-awaited agreement resolves a protracted impasse that has threatened global food security.

The UN plan will allow Ukraine, one of the world's major breadbaskets, to export 22 million tons of grain and other agricultural supplies that have been trapped in Black Sea ports as a result of Russia's incursion.

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres described it as "a beacon of hope" for millions of needy people who have seen food prices skyrocket.

"A settlement allowing grain to leave Black Sea ports is nothing short of lifesaving for individuals all over the world who are suffering to feed their families," Red Cross Director-General Robert Mardini said.

He added that food prices have grown 187 percent in Sudan, 86 percent in Syria, and 60 percent in Yemen in the last six months alone.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and Ukrainian Infrastructure Minister Oleksandr Kubrakov signed separate, similar agreements Friday in Istanbul with Guterres and Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar in the presence of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Russia and Ukraine would not enter into a direct agreement.

Russia and Ukraine would not enter into a direct agreement. A beacon of hope, a beacon of possibility, a beacon of relief in a world that needs it more than ever.” Guterres stated.

"You have surmounted hurdles and set aside differences to pave the path for an effort that will benefit all," he told the envoys. Guterres called the pact "unprecedented" between two parties involved in a brutal conflict. Erdogan thought it would be "a new turning point that will revive hopes for peace."

However, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba struck a more solemn tone in Kyiv. "I’m not opening a bottle of champagne because of this deal,” Kuleba told the Associated Press.

“I will keep my fingers crossed that this will work, that ships will carry grain to world markets and prices will go down and people will have food to eat. But I’m very cautious because I have no trust in Russia.”

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