Russia’s consent leads to prospect of export of more than 20mn tonnes of grain from Ukraine; relief in global foodgrain crisis likely

Warring Russia and Ukraine have finally agreed to export grain, especially wheat. In a meeting held in Istanbul on Friday, representatives from both countries gave their consent on the issue. According to the agreement, Russia will allow the export of more than 20mn tonnes of foodgrain that is blockaded at the Black Sea ports in Ukraine. There has been a wheat crisis in the international market due to its exports coming to a halt since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February. And the wheat prices have soared. This has led to a grim situation in countries across Africa and other continents that are fully dependent on imports for wheat. Some of these countries are on the verge of famine while some others fear political instability. The conditions are likely to improve gradually after this agreement.

The success has come after weeks of negotiations and interventions from the United Nations (UN) and Turkey. UN has assured Russia that the latter, too, will be allowed to sell its grains and fertilizers. However, it is not yet clear when the exports will resume, because it is believed that Russia has laid mines in the Black Sea to prevent the movement of ships. Ships can pass through this region only when the mines are removed. Ukraine, too, has laid mines around its ports so that Russian naval ships do not reach there. However, since there has been no ceasefire agreement between Russia and Ukraine, the danger for ships will continue.

According to the agreement, Ukraine will export grains via Turkey. Ships will carry grains to Turkey from three Ukrainian ports, including Odessa. The grains will be unloaded there and sent to other countries from there onwards. Ships coming back to Ukraine will be inspected under the supervision of a joint coordination centre in Istanbul, containing representatives from the UN, Ukraine, Russia and Turkey, that they are not carrying weapons. This agreement will be valid for four months. Ukraine will export 5mn tonnes of grains every month, thus likely exporting 20mn tonnes of grains in four months.