Deal reached to end Russia’s blockade of Ukraine grain exports and ease global food crisis

Türkiye has struck a deal with Ukraine, Russia and the United Nations potentially allowing the resumption of Ukrainian grain exports that have been blocked by Russia. The deal announced July 13, 2022, comes amid a global food shortage caused by the war that started with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February. Ukraine is among the world’s top wheat suppliers, but 20 million tonnes of the grain are stuck in silos at the Black Sea port of Odesa because of a Russian blockade. Under the deal, Türkiye will set up a grain export coordination centre with the other three parties. The arrangement raises prospects for an end to a stand-off that threatens to starve millions of people. The deal is expected to be signed when the parties meet again in Türkiye during the week of July 18.