The Kremlin has ignored Ankara’s calls for talks on resuming the “grain deal”.
The Kremlin, which is internationally isolated, has harbored a grudge against Turkey, which previously tried to balance between Kiev and Moscow but has recently taken several steps towards rapprochement with Ukraine and the West. In particular, Russian President Vladimir Putin was angered by the decision of Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan to return to Ukraine the Ukrainian commanders who led the defense of Azovstal in Mariupol, who, according to the agreements, after being released from Russian captivity were to be in Turkey.
In response, Putin ignored Erdogan’s calls for the resumption of the “grain deal”, he does not answer the phone calls of the Turkish president, writes The Wall Street Journal with reference to diplomats and analysts.
“I don’t think Putin trusts Erdogan as much as he used to”– said ex-diplomat Gulru Gezer, who worked at the Turkish embassy in Moscow.
By withdrawing from the “grain agreement,” the Kremlin could worsen relations not only with Turkey, but also with China, to which about a quarter of Ukrainian grain was exported. Beijing has already publicly made it clear that it is very interested in reopening the grain corridor, international expert Caitlin Welsh said.
“Putin’s decision to withdraw from the ‘grain deal’ could lead to increased tensions between the Russian Federation and its most powerful partners – China and Turkey”– states the publication.
Recall that last week, Erdogan and President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky held a telephone conversation, during which they discussed the renewal of the “grain agreement”.
Meanwhile, the Russian Federation continues to implement a naval blockade of Ukraine. A video has surfaced of a Russian ship threatening war to states whose ships are heading to Ukrainian ports.
Author: Artem Malinovsky
2023-07-28 15:21:08
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