Putin: "Investigation of Ukrainian attacks on Russian fleet is priority... Security must be ensured for grain deal return"

"Ukraine's Security Guarantee is Key"
Grain Exports Continue... "Notice of Departure to Russia"

Vladimir Putin, President of Russia [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that an investigation into the attack on the Black Sea Fleet in Crimea by Ukraine must take priority, and that Russia will return to the Black Sea grain export agreement only after navigational safety is ensured. Although grain export shipments through the Black Sea continue without Russia's participation, there are concerns that control over export routes could be imposed at any time depending on the situation of the Ukraine war.

According to TASS news agency on the 1st (local time), the Kremlin announced that President Putin explained the reasons for suspending participation in the Black Sea grain export agreement during a phone call with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdo?an. In the call, President Putin emphasized, "A detailed investigation must first be conducted regarding the attack on the Black Sea Fleet stationed in Sevastopol, Crimea," and added, "Ukraine must guarantee safety for us to consider returning to the agreement."

President Putin further stated, "This agreement has partly failed to achieve its purpose of ensuring that Russian agricultural products and fertilizers are not hindered in the global market," and added, "Russia is prepared to provide large quantities of grain to Africa free of charge."

President Erdo?an responded, "Turkey is making efforts on all fronts to resolve issues related to the implementation of the Black Sea grain agreement," and expressed confidence by saying, "I am sure we will find a solution." Turkish Foreign Minister Mevl?t ?avu?o?lu announced that President Erdo?an plans to have a phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in the near future.

While mediation efforts to bring Russia back into the agreement face difficulties, grain exports through the Black Sea route, which resumed the day before, continued on this day as well. The Joint Coordination Center (JCC), which coordinates Black Sea grain export operations, announced that three grain export vessels departed from Ukraine on this day and notified the Russian delegation of their departure.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.