Negotiations involving Moscow, Kyiv, Ankara and the UN are due to take place in the coming days in Turkey, after talks progressed on July 13.
«Firstly, we are ready to continue the work in this direction, secondly, this theme will be discussed by the presidents» Vladimir Putin and Recep Tayyip Erdogan, indicated on Monday, according to Russian agencies, the Kremlin’s diplomatic adviser, Yuri Ouchakov, on the eve of a meeting between the two leaders in Iran.
The Russian Defense Ministry said on Friday that a «final document» will be ready shortly to allow the export of grain from Ukraine.
According to Mr. Ouchakov, a coordination center must also open in Istanbul to allow these exports via the Black Sea.
The agreement negotiated through the UN aims to bring out through the Black Sea some 20 million tonnes of grain blocked in Ukrainian silos because of the offensive led by Russia in Ukraine.
It must also facilitate Russian exports of cereals and fertilizers, affected by Western sanctions affecting Russian logistics and financial chains.
Russian and Ukrainian agricultural products are essential to prevent food crises from multiplying in the world.
Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar confirmed on Monday that «an agreement in principle (…) has been reached» with Ukraine and Russia for the establishment of a secure maritime corridor allowing the transport of cereals.
According to an official source who requested anonymity, a new meeting could be held «Wednesday or Thursday», after the summit Tuesday in Iran of the Russian, Iranian and Turkish presidents.
On Monday, the head of European diplomacy, Josep Borrell, considered that the resumption of grain exports from Ukraine was a «matter of life and death» and expressed «the hope» that an agreement will be reached this week.