Russian media: the only chance to save the deal, Erdogan-Putin meeting

As Turkey’s mediation efforts between Russia and Ukraine continued, the Russian press published a remarkable piece of news.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said: “Mr. Putin will also visit Turkey next month,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, “such contact is likely.” However, as of now, there is no definite date set.”

Meanwhile, the release of Ukrainian Azov commanders during Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s visit to Turkey created tension on the Ankara-Moscow line. Kremlin spokesman Peskov used the phrase “Turkey violated the agreements”, blaming Turkey for the return of the Azov Battalion commanders to Ukraine.

The Azov Battalion commanders, who were previously included in the Russia-Ukraine prisoner exchange, were in Turkey for security reasons.

RUSSIA DOES NOT WANT THE EXTENSION OF THE GRAIN AGREEMENT

Finally, Russian officials, speaking to the Russian press, declared that the meeting between Putin and Erdogan was the only opportunity for the extension of the Black Sea grain corridor deal.

The Russian news agency RIA commented that the meeting of the Turkish and Russian leaders is very critical for the future of the grain deal, which is due to expire next week. Speaking to the agency, Russian sources noted that Russia has made statements that it is against the extension of the agreement in recent weeks and stated that there is not a very positive environment regarding the future of the grain corridor.

An official said: “Based on our experience, the meeting of the two leaders could change this situation. That is the only hope right now,” he said.

The Black Sea Grain Corridor Agreement, which provides for the export of Ukrainian grain, was signed in July last year with a ceremony held in Istanbul between Russia and Ukraine under the mediation of Turkey and the UN.

In his statement after meeting Zelenskiy, Erdogan said: “I hope that the period of the initiative, which will reach 33 million tons of grain in one year, for the needy, will be extended again, which will expire on July 17. like a trachea opening to the world through the Turkish Strait. I believe that all relevant parties will act with a sense of global responsibility for this purpose.”