Negotiations between Ukraine and Russia on a possible resumption of grain deliveries have started in Istanbul. Talks began early this afternoon (local time), a Turkish official told AFP news agency. Military experts from Ukraine, Russia and Turkey and representatives of the United Nations took part in discussions on possible corridors for exporting grain across the Black Sea.
The Turkish Defense Ministry had previously announced that the talks were being held under strict confidentiality. Neither the time nor the exact location of the meeting had been announced in advance. It is the first time since March 29 that Russian and Ukrainian delegates have held face-to-face talks.
Ukraine is one of the world’s largest exporters of wheat and other grains. However, millions of tons of wheat are stuck in Ukrainian ports that are under Russian control or blocked by Russian troops.