Ukraine, Russia Agree to Extend Black Sea Grain Deal – News From Antiwar.com

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced Saturday that the deal between Russia and Ukraine allowing the export of grain from Ukraine’s Black Sea ports has been extended. “This deal is of vital importance for the global food supply,” Erdogan said. “I thank Russia and Ukraine, who didn’t spare their efforts for a new extension, as well as the United Nations secretary general.” The deal was first signed in July and was brokered by Turkey and the UN. It has been a success in allowing safe passage for grain ships through Ukraine’s Black Sea ports that had been heavily mined when Russia first launched its invasion. According to Al Jazeera, over 11 million tons of agricultural products shipped from three of Ukraine’s Black Sea ports under the deal. Russian and Ukrainian officials gave conflicting claims on how long the extension will last. Moscow said it last for 60 days, while Kyiv said the deal will be extended for 120 days. The agreement was renewed back in November for a 120-day period, but Moscow said it opted for 60 days this time because it’s not happy with other aspects of the deal. Part of the agreement was a pledge by the UN
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