NATO condemns Russia's withdrawal from grain deal, welcomes Türkiye's efforts to reestablish deal

By Nur Asena Erturk

ANKARA (AA) – NATO on Thursday condemned Russia's withdrawal from the Black Sea grain deal this summer and also welcomed Türkiye's efforts to reestablish the deal.

"We condemn that Russia has withdrawn from the Black Sea grain deal. We welcome the efforts by Türkiye to try to reestablish the Grain Deal," NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg told the EU Parliament's Committee on Foreign Affairs.

"And of course, the best way to ensure safe and secure shipment of grain from Ukraine is to end the war," Stoltenberg added, referring to the Ukraine war, now more than 18 months old.

On July 17, Russia suspended its participation in the pact, brokered by Türkiye and the UN to resume grain exports from three Ukrainian Black Sea ports that were paused after Moscow's "special military operation" began in February 2022.

Moscow has repeatedly complained that the West has not met its obligations under the deal and that there are restrictions on payments, logistics, and insurance on shipments of its own food and fertilizer exports.

After a Monday meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan spoke optimistically on reviving the deal, saying he believes a “good result” will be reached soon.​​​​​​​

The US and other international actors have also praised Türkiye’s efforts to both reach the grain deal and also work for its continuation.