Kremlin: Putin has no plans to meet Erdogan

The Kremlin said it has nothing new to say about the Black Sea grain corridor deal, which is set to expire next week, and that Russian President Vladimir Putin has no plans to meet with President Tayyip Erdogan to renew the deal. .

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters that it is unclear when Putin will visit Turkey. Peskov also noted that when asked about establishing a Russian “natural gas hub” in Turkey, Russia plans to maintain its ties with Turkey.

President Erdogan, in a statement yesterday, said Putin is expected to pay a visit to Turkey next month, and if the visit goes ahead, they will also discuss the issue of the Black Sea grain corridor.

Moscow has repeatedly stated that it sees no reason to extend the Black Sea grain corridor deal beyond July 17.

Relations between Turkey and Russia have been strained after Turkey sent five Ukrainian commanders back to kyiv last week. Russia stated that Turkey violated the prisoner exchange agreement by handing over Ukrainian commanders to kyiv. (Reuters)