Ukraine rejects Turkish call for Kyiv to soften stance on grain deal

A senior Ukrainian official rejected Turkiye’s request that Kyiv modify its attitude in order to restore the Black Sea grain deal, stating that Ukraine would not support the lifting of sanctions against Moscow or a “appeasement” approach.

Ukraine rejects Turkish call: Mykhailo Podolyak, a presidential adviser, told Reuters, “Let’s be realistic after all and stop discussing non-existent options, much less encouraging Russia to commit further crimes.”

When questioned about remarks made by Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan on Monday following talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, he made the statement.

Podolyak claimed that Russia was “extremely interested” in destroying the grain transhipment and seaport facilities in Ukraine.

He stated that Russia did not need a grain agreement and that Moscow aimed to isolate Ukraine from the global grain market, raise grain prices, and establish exclusive control over the Black Sea.

Where is this place’s “softening” field for Ukrainians? stated Podolyak. And let’s be clear: We will not participate in the plan of easing sanctions or pursue a “policy of appeasement of the aggressor.”

After their meeting, Erdogan forecasted the revival of the grain agreement that, according to the UN, helped alleviate a food crisis by bringing Ukrainian grain to the market.

Russia left the agreement in July, citing significant barriers to its own exports of food and fertiliser.

Following the conversations between Putin and Erdogan on Monday, a senior Ukrainian government official told Reuters earlier on Tuesday that Kyiv did not anticipate a change in the country’s grain export status.