Türkiye's President Erdogan announces an extension of an Ankara-brokered deal for grain exports from three Ukrainian Black Sea ports.
Russia resumes its participation in a deal freeing up grain exports from Ukraine, after Türkiye's successful efforts — hailed by several countries — to resolve a crisis between Moscow and Kiev, even as fighting continues on its 253rd day.
Russia had announced on Saturday that it would suspend its participation in the UN-brokered Black Sea grain export deal due to Ukrainian attacks on its Black Sea Fleet's ships.
No ships will depart from Ukraine, but grain-laden ships waiting in Istanbul will go through inspection today and tomorrow, the defence ministry said.
Yerevan must desist from provoking its neighbour and adhere to previous commitments between the two Caucasian nations, says Türkiye’s president.
Efforts continue to ensure that shipments reach their final destinations as safely as possible, said Türkiye's Defence Minister Hulusi Akar.
UN chief Antonio Guterres' remarks came during a joint press conference with Türkiye's Defence Minister Hulusi Akar at the Joint Coordination Centre overseeing Ukrainian grain exports in Istanbul.
Two more ships departed from the Ukrainian port of Chornomorsk under the Türkiye-brokered deal reached last month to resume grain exports from three Ukrainian Black Sea ports.
Ukraine and Russia agreed a Türkiye-brokered deal last month to unblock Black Sea grain deliveries after Moscow's attack.
So far a total of 10 ships have sailed since last week under a deal with Russia to unblock Ukrainian sea-borne grain exports.
Carrying 33,000 tons of corn, the Panama-flagged ship "Navi-Star" is expected to proceed on its way to Ireland after an inspection.
Türkiye's defence minister underlined that they continue to work with Russian, Ukrainian and UN officials for the smooth functioning of the grain ships under Ankara-brokered deal.
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