Ukraine and Russia signed a grain deal mediated by Turkey on Friday to put an end to Ukraine's Black Sea port blockade. The signing took place in Dolmabahçe Palace in Istanbul following nearly two months of negotiations. The UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres was present at the ceremony.
The deal establishes a coordination and monitoring centre in Istanbul. It will be staffed by UN, Turkish, Russian and Ukrainian officials to coordinate the grain exports. An inspection of ships carrying grain will also be introduced to ensure vessels would not carry weapons.
Both Russian and Ukrainian officials have made a commitment to respect the civilian shipping lanes in the Black Sea from now on. The agreement is signed for four months and is expected to automatically renew if its conditions are met.
