Macron praises Türkiye’s diplomatic role in Russia-Ukraine grain deal

French President Emmanuel Macron has praised Türkiye’s diplomatic efforts during the Russia-Ukraine war, particularly its role in brokering the Black Sea Grain Initiative and facilitating dialogue between Moscow and Kyiv.

Speaking alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at a press conference in Paris on Wednesday, Macron said Türkiye played a significant role in ensuring grain exports from the region and highlighted the country’s unique position in Black Sea affairs.

“Türkiye has a very special role when it comes to the Black Sea,” Macron said, noting the country’s involvement in negotiating and implementing the 2022 Black Sea Grain Initiative, which was brokered with United Nations support to mitigate the global impact of food supply disruptions.

Türkiye’s role in the Black Sea Grain Initiative

The initiative was launched to reduce the effect of the war on global food prices. Macron emphasized that although the agreement was later undermined by Russia, Türkiye’s actions to reopen Black Sea export routes were noteworthy.

“We have made several attempts to reopen the grain and peace routes in the Black Sea following Russia’s withdrawal from the agreement,” he said. “We welcome Türkiye’s efforts in this regard.”

The agreement initially aimed to ensure the safe export of Ukrainian grain through the Black Sea amid conflict-related disruptions. Macron criticized Russia for pulling out of the deal, calling it an obstacle to global food security.

France pledges additional military support to Ukraine

During the same press conference, Macron announced a €2 billion ($2.15B) military aid package for Ukraine, which includes weapons shipments and support for arms production projects.

He reiterated France’s commitment to Ukraine’s defense and called on Russia to agree to a ceasefire. “Ukraine has clearly expressed to the United States its agreement to a full and unconditional 30-day ceasefire, even though it is the victim of the aggression,” Macron said. “We expect the same commitment from Russia.”

He stated that Russia had not yet provided a concrete response to the cease-fire proposal, and accused Moscow of placing new conditions and prolonging hostilities.

Security Summit in Paris aims to solidify support

Macron and Zelenskyy’s statements came on the eve of a Ukraine security summit hosted in Paris, with 27 heads of state and government expected to attend.

The summit aims to outline potential European security guarantees for Ukraine, including the deployment of non-combat troops by a “coalition of the willing” to ensure stability in any post-ceasefire environment.

“This is a decisive phase to put an end to the war of aggression,” Macron said, calling for continued pressure on Russia to halt its military actions.

Zelenskyy, speaking in advance of the summit, said he expects “strong decisions” from the discussions and emphasized the need to maintain pressure on Russia.

No timeline for peace agreement yet

While recent discussions in Saudi Arabia reportedly led to Russia and Ukraine agreeing on a framework for a Black Sea cease-fire, no formal timeline for a peace agreement has been set.

Moscow has requested sanctions relief related to its agricultural exports, while the U.S. has confirmed that these conditions are under evaluation.

Macron said any talks of lifting sanctions are premature and depend on whether Russia abides by international law. “It’s too early to discuss lifting sanctions.

This will depend on Russia’s compliance with international legal obligations,” he said.

European troop deployment could serve as deterrence

Addressing the possibility of sending European forces to Ukraine, Macron clarified that any deployment would not involve combat troops and would instead serve as a deterrent.

“European forces would be part of a pacifist approach,” he stated. “They could be a card in the hands of the Ukrainians to dissuade the Russians from launching another attack.”

Zelenskyy echoed that the discussion about such deployments is still in its early stages and will be shaped by future developments.