The Ukrainian delegation arrived in Istanbul for "grain negotiations" and the signing of the export agreement

The Ukrainian delegation led by Ukraine's Minister of Infrastructure has already arrived in Istanbul for negotiations on unblocking grain exports. It is expected the parties will sign the relevant agreement on Friday, reports Ukraine's Ministry of Infrastructure.

The Ukrainian delegation has already held a meeting with UN Secretary-General António Guterres. "The UN initiative to unblock sea ports for the export of food and guarantee the safety of ships is in the focus of our dialogue," the Ministry statement says.

The UN declared that it supports the unblocking of Ukrainian ports and emphasized that security is an undisputed priority of the UN.

Russia's Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu also arrived in Istanbul to sign the agreement. The Minister of Infrastructure of Ukraine, Oleksandr Kubrakov, is to sign the agreement on behalf of Ukraine.

Interfax-Ukraine reports that a 120-day agreement on the safe export of grain from the ports of "Odesa," "Chornomorsk" and "Pivdenny" will be discussed in Istanbul.

The signing of the agreement is scheduled for 16:30.

No agreements with Russia

Mykhailo Podoliak, Adviser to the Head of the President's Office, emphasized that Ukraine does not sign any documents with Russia.

"We sign an agreement with Turkey and the UN and undertake obligations to them. Russia signs a mirror agreement with Turkey and the UN," he wrote.

The agreement will not provide for the escort of transport by Russian ships and the presence of Russian representatives in Ukrainian ports. "In case of provocations, there will be an immediate military response," Podoliak said. He adds that if necessary, all inspections of transport ships will be carried out by joint teams in Turkish waters.

Background

On July 13, a four-way meeting was held in Istanbul regarding unblocking the export of Ukrainian grain. Then delegations from Ukraine, Russia, the UN, and Turkey agreed to create a coordination center in Istanbul. President Zelensky said that the Ukrainian delegation reported to him about some progress in the negotiations regarding grain export.

After this meeting, The Wall Street Journal reported that grain could be delivered from three Ukrainian ports accompanied by Ukrainian ships. Ceasefire must be guaranteed for the transportation of grain. The route must also be partially demined.

The Turkish Navy should check empty ships arriving at Ukrainian ports. This measure should calm down Russia's concerns that these vessels can allegedly be used to transport Western weapons.