At the last second, the Black Sea grain deal, which faciliates grain export from Ukraine to different industries, was prolongated after intermediation between the United Nations (UN) and the Government of Turkey.
According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the extension helps farmers in Ukraine and the extrapolation of “vital exports.”
“I welcome the agreement by all parties to continue the Black Sea Grain Initiative to facilitate the safe navigation of export of grain, foodstuffs and fertilizers from Ukraine,” stated UN Secretary-General António Guterres.
Guterres continued that the extension shows “the importance of discreet diplomacy in finding multilateral solutions.”
The Russian party has argued for a 60-day extension, while the Ukraine said that the extension has been set for 120 days. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has also stated that he voted for a 120-days prolongation.
According to the UN negotiation team, details of the extension are still negotiated.
Pursuant to Ukrainian officials, the 60-days extension “contradicts the document signed by Turkey and the United Nations.”
The UN stated that the deal “has been credited with helping to calm global food prices, which reached vertiginous highs in March 2022.” The grain prices shall now be 18% lower than one year ago.
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