The deal, which expires next month in its current form, was first signed by Russia, Ukraine, Turkey and the United Nations in July last year and has since been extended twice. ‘Dozens of ships are stuck on the route from Ukraine to Istanbul and on to other countries. A part also passes through Poland,” says foreign commentator Bernard Hammelburg.
“You Keep Fighting”
The export takes place from Ukrainian ports, but Russian food and fertilizers are also transported on ships. According to Russia, its transportation is hampered by bureaucratic barriers, such as insurance and payments. “There are constant fights about this,” Hammelburg says.
“No business can stand on one leg, it must stand on two legs”
The current agreement was recently extended for 60 days. But Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov says Russia is dissatisfied. No agreement can stand on one leg, it must stand on two legs. Judging by the state of the plan in its current form, the future of the deal doesn’t look very good.”
The wheat deal is an attempt to alleviate a food crisis that existed before the Russian invasion of Ukraine but has been exacerbated by the deadliest war in Europe since World War II.
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