UN: We are at a sensitive point in the Black Sea Grain Initiative

In a statement made by the United Nations, it was announced that they were at a sensitive point in the Black Sea Grain Initiative and that if the parties did not extend it, the initiative would end on May 18. The United Nations (UN) announced that they were at a "sensitive" point regarding the Black Sea Grain Initiative, which would expire on May 18 if it was not extended. UN Secretary-General Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric answered questions on the subject at the daily press conference. Stating that UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was following the issue closely and was in contact with all parties, Dujarric stated that the talks were continuing at different levels. Dujarric stated that the grain exports made in accordance with the initiative and the memorandum of understanding signed between the UN and Russia kept food prices low, and said, "We hope that all parties will fulfill their obligations for these programs to continue." Spokesperson Dujarric said, "Frankly, we are at a sensitive point regarding the Black Sea Grain Initiative." If Russia and Ukraine do not approve, it will expire on May 18. If Russia and Ukraine do not approve the extension, the initiative will expire on May 18. Ukrainian Minister of Communities, Regions and Infrastructure Development Aleksandr Kubrakov announced that they were working to extend the Black Sea Grain Initiative. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov pointed out that the problems regarding the part of the initiative that concerns Russia have not yet been resolved and stated that Moscow will make a statement when it makes a decision on the extension. In a statement made by the Ministry of National Defense, it was announced that bilateral and multilateral talks were held with Ukraine, Russia and the UN in Istanbul on May 10-11, and that useful meetings were held with the constructive approaches of the parties. In order to reduce the impact of Russia's aggression against Ukraine on global food prices, the UN, the Russian Federation, Turkey and Ukraine signed the Black Sea Grain Initiative at a ceremony held in Istanbul on July 22, 2022. More than 30 million tons of exports have already been made thanks to the initiative.