Commenting on the discussion of the export of Ukrainian grain in Istanbul between Russia, Ukraine, Turkey and the UN, Deputy Foreign Minister of Russia Sergey Vershinin focused on the fact that “the Russian Foreign Ministry is represented at the Istanbul meeting. Along with some other agencies, discussions are underway on how to ensure the transportation of Ukrainian wheat by sea.

In a statement, he explained: “From our point of view, there should be no problems with this. And we have stated at the highest levels that there are no obstacles on our part to the transportation”, emphasizing that “the start should be with the removal of the mine from the ports, and that it will be done by those who laid the mines”. He recalled that “the Ukrainian side is the one who laid the mines in the ports.”

Following the meeting of representatives of relevant bodies in Istanbul on the export of Ukrainian grain, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said that an “important step” had been taken towards resolving the issue.