Erdogan, Putin to discuss grain deal, Ukraine in Türkiye

Erdogan will welcome Putin for a landmark visit to discuss the grain initiative and Ukraine, showcasing Türkiye’s diplomatic push

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Russian President Vladimir Putin are set to engage in discussions regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the Black Sea Grain Initiative during Putin’s potential visit to Türkiye, Türkiye’s foreign minister announced Tuesday.

The talks, anticipated to address key regional and international issues, come amid heightened tensions in Ukraine and ongoing efforts to enhance cooperation in the Black Sea region. 

Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan refrained from specifying a date for the visit, which would signify Putin’s inaugural trip to a NATO member state since Russia launched its special military operation in Ukraine in February 2022.  A Reuters source suggested Feb. 12 as a potential date.

Ankara has been trying to convince Russia to rejoin the Black Sea Grain Initiative, a pact facilitated by Türkiye and the United Nations, aimed at securing the safe export of Ukrainian grain via the Black Sea during the conflict.

Russia withdrew from the agreement in July 2023 and has expressed disinterest in reinstating it. Addressing reporters at a press conference in Malta, Fidan stated that Türkiye is collaborating with Ukraine and Russia to resurrect the initiative, valuing the ongoing dialogue with Moscow.

Source: Newsroom

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