Ukraine’s President and Turkish Foreign Minister meet in Kyiv amid increasing Russian pressure in Black Sea

The heart of the deliberations rested on the bilateral efforts to rejuvenate a pivotal agreement for grain exports across the Black Sea. Foreign Minister Fidan’s visit aimed to facilitate a middle ground between Ukraine and Russia, seeking to restore this crucial trade conduit. Notably, Russia’s recent escalation of actions in the area following its withdrawal from the Black Sea Initiative further emphasized the significance of these discussions.

Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan engaged in a crucial meeting in Kyiv against the backdrop of mounting pressure in the Black Sea region. The central focus of their discussions appeared to be the resurrection of the Black Sea grain deal, a matter of particular importance as Turkey diverges from Western endeavors to establish alternative trade routes.

ZELENSKYY EXPRESSES GRATITUDE FOR TURKEY’S EFFORTS

President Zelenskyy affirmed that his talks with Minister Fidan spanned a spectrum of topics. Among these were Kyiv’s perspective on the prospects of achieving peace with Russia and the tireless endeavors to convene a peace summit. Notably, the Ukrainian leader took to Twitter, expressing gratitude for Turkey’s unwavering and enduring support.

While specifics of the discussions were not disclosed by the Turkish Foreign Ministry, glimpses of the meeting between Zelenskyy and Fidan were shared through images. In Kyiv, Fidan also engaged with Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, where matters of Ukraine’s reconstruction, economic collaboration, and global food stability were raised, underscoring Turkey’s supportive role.

RUSSIA’S ACTIONS ESCALATE IN AREA AFTER WITHDRAWAL FROM BLACK SEA INITIATIVE

This diplomatic rendezvous unfolded amidst escalating tensions in the Black Sea region. The recent surge in Russian actions has been noteworthy since Moscow’s exit from the Black Sea Initiative, a framework that had enabled Ukrainian grain and sustenance exports via Turkey’s strategic straits. The lapsed deal, expired on July 17, evoked Russian objections, claiming it inadequately facilitated its own product exports.

The backdrop of this meeting is intertwined with the past year’s joint efforts between Turkey and the United Nations, which forged the original grain deal. This arrangement aimed to reestablish the flow of grain from Ukraine, often referred to as the world’s granary, after Russia’s incursion had halted it. The subsequent collapse of the accord sent shockwaves through global grain markets, inducing apprehensions of an imminent food crisis on the global stage.