Talks to free Ukraine's grain exports could take place in Istanbul: Report

For more than two months, Ukraine, United Nations, European Union, and intermediaries have been debating problem of grain exports being blocked in country due to ongoing war. Several routes have been suggested by analysts for export of grain from Ukraine. However, no definitive decision on how to export around 20 and 25 million tonnes of grain has been me, according to various estimates.

next attempt to free Ukraine's grain exports could take place in Istanbul as early as next week, according to Russian media agency TASS.  Turkish media also reported that a conference with representatives from UN, Ukraine, Russia, and Turkey, which is serving as a mediator, is scheduled.

Position of international community on grain exports

Josep Borrell, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs, expressed hope on June 20 that Russia, Turkey, and Ukraine will eventually reach an agreement on seaborne grain exports from Ukraine with help of UN. UN continues to actively dress problem of grain exports from Ukraine, but it is too early to speak about any form of agreement reached, according to Stephane Dujarric, UN Secretary-official General's spokesperson.

In multiple statements, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reportedly emphasised lack of progress during negotiations. However, according to Turkish newspaper Milliyet, citing Erdogan ministration sources, talks between Russia, Ukraine, Turkey, and UN to build a grain export corridor will take place in Istanbul next week. President Erdogan of Turkey and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres may attend meeting, according to media agency. 

In response to report, Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that negotiations between Moscow and Ankara on building a safe corridor for grain export from Ukraine will follow Defence Ministry's guidelines, TASS reported. However, Russian President Vlimir Putin has stated that he will not attend such a garing. In his remarks at St. Petersburg International Economic Forum last week, Putin maintained that Moscow is not impeding food deliveries from Ukraine.

following are possible export routes that could be explored during talks

By ship via Odessa

This grain export option will be available only after port area has been de-mined and Ukrainian-sunk vessels have been raised from bottom of Black Sea, according to reports. Furr, grain export via Odessa has been subject of discussions between Russia and Turkey. Ankara, in particular, intends to construct a dedicated coordination centre in Istanbul. Meanwhile, Bloomberg reported that Moscow is insisting on examining ships arriving in Odessa for prospective armament sales.

Turkish officials stated that y can guarantee safety of grain export shipments. Milliyet reported citing sources in Erdogan's ministration that system to follow plan of Ukrainian grain deliveries is 80-90% rey and can be launched immediately if agreements are reached. This subject is reportedly scheduled to be discussed during Istanbul meeting of Turkey, Russia, Ukraine, and United Nations.

Russia is prepared to ensure safe transit of ships from Ukrainian-controlled port of Odessa, according to Russian mefia outlets. Russian President Vlimir Putin assured Moscow that circumstance would not be exploited for a possible marine attack on city. Kyiv, however, firmly opposes such plans, demanding as a condition cessation of hostilities and departure of forces.

Through sea from Berdyansk to Mariupol

Russia is reportedly willing to supply grain exports from Berdyansk and Mariupol ports, which are under control of Donetsk People's Republic and Russian soldiers. Moscow is rey to extend guarantees on peaceful traffic and secure safety of Berdyansk and Mariupol approaches. Russia also vows to encourage vessel traffic in Azov and Black Seas. Notably, mine clearance activities in se ports' waters are nearly complete, according to reports.

Rail Routes

According to reports, food could also be exported by train from Ukraine via Hungary, Romania, Slovakia, and Poland. route is complicated since railcar bogies must be changed due to difference in railway gauge between Ukraine (1,520 mm) and Europe (1,435 mm). Swapping bogies takes several hours.

Furr, Klaipeda is also accessible via Belarus and changing bogies would not be necessary in this case. However, at moment, neir West nor Ukraine are pleased with this alternative because it would entail lifting sanctions against Belarusian authorities, according to reports.

Image: AP