Ukraine apparently backed out shortly before an agreement with Russia was announced. Erdogan probably acted as a mediator.
Moscow/Ankara – According to insiders, Ukraine canceled a deal with Russia at the last second, in which Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan probably acted as a mediator. This was reported by four people familiar with the matter to the
Reuters
news agency . The subject is said to have been an agreement on the safety of merchant shipping in the Black Sea. Negotiations on this had taken place for two months in advance.
The anonymous sources told
Reuters
that the United Nations had urged Turkey to mediate the matter. This is how an agreement came about in the midst of the Ukraine war. Ukraine did not want to sign it, but agreed that Turkey would officially announce it on March 30, 2024.
Merchant shipping agreement with Russia: Ukraine probably backed out
Reuters
quotes the sources as saying: “At the very last minute, Ukraine suddenly withdrew and the agreement was canceled.” Three other people confirmed this statement, according to Reuters, but Russia, Ukraine and Turkey declined to comment officially. It is said that the sources had no knowledge of what led Kiev to this decision.
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyj said in February that he was dependent on US military aid to defend the shipping corridor on the western Black Sea coast. No further discussions were reported - they apparently took place behind closed doors. The Black Sea is an important trade route for both parties, for example for grain, fertilizers and oil.
Ukraine and Russia wanted to ensure safe shipping in the Black Sea
The text, seen by
Reuters
, said Turkey had reached agreements with Russia and Ukraine to ensure free and safe navigation in the Black Sea. Both Russia and Ukraine provided security guarantees and committed not to attack, seize or search empty and non-military ships. The deal would probably not have applied to warships or civilian ships carrying military cargo.
The draft states: “The Republic of Turkey informs the Secretary-General of the United Nations that the agreement has been reached and is being implemented through the mediation of the Republic of Turkey. The agreement will come into effect upon announcement.”
Russia had already withdrawn from the grain transport agreement
As early as July 2022, Turkey and the United Nations helped reach agreements for the transport of grain on the Black Sea. However, Russia withdrew from this agreement in 2023, saying it would hinder its food and fertilizer exports.