On Monday, President Vladimir Putin said Russia was ready to facilitate the unhindered export of grain from Ukrainian ports in coordination with Turkey, according to a Kremlin readout of talks with President Tayyip Erdogan, Reuters reports.
"During the discussion of the situation in Ukraine, emphasis was placed on ensuring safe navigation in the Black and Azov seas and eliminating the mine threat in their waters," the Kremlin said of Putin's call with Erdogan.
Reuters reports that Putin said Russia to facilitate the unhindered sea transit of goods in coordination with Turkish partners. This also applies to the export of grain from Ukrainian ports.
Putin, according to the Kremlin, added that if sanctions were lifted, then Russia could "export significant volumes of fertilizers and agricultural products."
Global food crisis from Russia's invasion
When it comes to the global food supply chain, the invasion of Ukraine by Russia has sent the price of grain, cooking, fertilizer and energy soaring.
On May 25, reports said newly declassified U.S. intelligence showing a Russian naval blockade had halted maritime trade at Ukrainian ports, in what world leaders called a 'deliberate attack' on the global food supply chain that has raised fears of political instability and shortages unless grain and other essential agricultural products are allowed to flow freely from Ukraine.
