Russia, Ukraine sign historic grain deal with Turkey

Tags: International News

For the first time since the war, Russia and Ukraine signed a historic deal with the United Nations and Turkey on July 22 to restart grain shipments, which could ease the global food crisis.

What is the deal about?

• The agreement has been reached through the mediation of the United Nations and Turkey.

• The aim is to reopen the Black Sea delivery routes that are important for grain exports.

• The deal, agreed through UN and Turkish mediation, establishes secure corridors along which Ukrainian ships can move in and out of three designated Black Sea ports in and around Odessa.

• Both sides also promised not to attack ships en route or outside.

What is the grain export deal?

• The deal provides for the safe passage of ships.

• Ships must undergo inspection to ensure that they are not carrying weapons.

• Ukraine has said that no Russian ships will guard the ships and that there will be no Russian representatives at Ukrainian ports.

Significance of the deal

• It will provide relief to developing countries on the verge of bankruptcy and the most vulnerable on the brink of famine.

• The five-month Russia-Ukraine war has already displaced millions and claimed thousands of lives.

• Huge quantities of wheat and other grain have been blocked by Russian warships and landmines in Ukraine's ports.

• Ukraine is one of the world's biggest exporters of wheat, corn and sunflower oil, but a naval blockade of Russia's ports has halted shipments.

• Ukraine is expected to export 22 million tonnes of grain and other agricultural products that are stuck in Black Sea ports because of the war.