Erdoğan to come to Russia for Grain Initiative talks with Putin - media

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan will travel to Russia to meet with President Vladimir Putin to discuss the resumption of the Black Sea Grain Initiative, although earlier it was reported that the Russian leader could visit Türkiye.

That’s according to Yeni Şafak, citing sources in the Turkish president’s administration, Ukrinform reports.

"According to information received from sources in the presidential administration, the upcoming visit of President Erdoğan to Russia is of critical importance for reaching an agreement (on the BSGI - ed.)," the report says.

The publication notes that while the Turkish president is planning a visit to Russia, the chief adviser to Erdoğan, Akif Kylic, will visit Ukraine, and Minister of Foreign Affairs Hakan Fidan will travel to both Ukraine and Russia.

According to reports from sources close to the Turkish president, Erdoğan’s visit will be the most important step toward the resumption of the Black Sea Grain Initiative, as Türkiye sees reason to believe that "somehow a point of accord can be found."

It is noted that Türkiye does not consider acceptable the new route of the "grain corridor" which does not involve Russia’s participation.

As Ukrinform reported earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukraine had set up an alternative "grain corridor" in the Black Sea, but it requires further strengthening of air defenses along the route.

Photo: AA