Grain exports from Ukraine: breakthrough despite deep rifts

The way for grain exports via the Black Sea is free again: Ukraine and Russia signed the corresponding agreements in Istanbul – without meeting. Because the trenches are still deep.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres found great words at the beginning of the signing ceremony of the agreement on the export of Ukrainian grain across the Black Sea: “Today is a beacon over the Black Sea, one of hope, of opportunity and of relief – in a world that is… needs more than ever.”

The implementation of the agreement is to be organized by a joint office of Russia, Ukraine, Turkey and the UN in Istanbul. They should also name the corridors through the Black Sea. They are also responsible for inspecting the ships to ensure that no further weapons reach the Ukraine by sea, for example.

Russia and Ukraine have pledged a ceasefire for the passage of the ships. It is probably the part of the agreement that is most difficult to guarantee. Guterres therefore says: “I urge all sides to live up to their commitments. We must all spare no effort for peace. This is an unprecedented agreement between two parties in a bloody conflict, but the conflict goes on.”

Guterres praises Turkey’s commitment

The further ceremony shows how deep the trenches are. One after the other, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and Ukraine’s Infrastructure Minister Oleksandr Kubrakov sign the agreement. They don’t meet.

Guterres and Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar are also present. Guterres praised Turkey for helping the agreement come about from the start.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan emphasizes Turkey’s role as the host of several meetings that ultimately led to today’s agreement. It could now help to save billions of people from hunger worldwide. And it could be the cornerstone for more: “I wish with all my heart that this joint step that we are taking today with Ukraine and Russia here in Istanbul will be a turning point towards hope for peace.”

The agreement is initially valid for 120 days. The first ship passages are not expected for a few weeks because the agreement must be filled with life, it said.