Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan are set to meet in the Black Sea resort of Sochi on Monday, amid international efforts to revive a deal that ensured the safe export of Ukrainian grain during the war.
The deal, brokered by Turkey and the United Nations in July 2022, allowed nearly 33 million tonnes of grain and other commodities to leave three Ukrainian ports under Russian control. However, Moscow pulled out of the deal in July 2023, citing Western sanctions and restrictions that hampered its own food and fertilizer trade.
Russian President Vladimir Putin also announced free grain to the poorest countries in the African region which are in dire need and shortage of grains.