Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to visit Turkey soon, according to Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. This visit will mark Putin's first trip to a NATO country since Russia's invasion of Ukraine two years ago. The meeting between Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will mainly focus on finding a new way to facilitate Ukrainian grain exports through the Black Sea.
While an exact date for the visit has not been confirmed, Turkish media reports suggest that Putin will arrive on February 12. This visit comes against the backdrop of an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court against Putin last year, connecting him to the alleged deportation of Ukrainian children to Russia. However, as neither Turkey nor Russia is a party to the court, Putin can travel to Turkey without fear of arrest.
Turkey has made efforts to maintain positive relationships with both Russia and Ukraine, its Black Sea neighbors. Despite refraining from joining the Western sanctions on Moscow, Turkey has stood firmly in support of Ukraine's territorial integrity and has provided arms to Kyiv.
Minister Fidan highlighted that discussions between Erdogan and Putin will encompass various topics, including the security situation in Syria and energy cooperation. However, key attention will be given to finding alternative mechanisms for Ukrainian grain exports. Previously, there was a one-year deal that allowed safe passage for Ukrainian grain through Russian-controlled ports, but Russia suspended the deal in July, citing the need for concessions relating to Russian food and fertilizer exports.
Turkey played a role in brokering the earlier grain deal, aiming to ensure the secure transportation of goods from Ukrainian ports. Now, both Turkey and Russia are exploring alternative means to resume the grain exports, as it remains an essential aspect of Ukraine's economy.
This forthcoming meeting between Putin and Erdogan not only signifies a potential breakthrough in Ukrainian grain exports but also represents an opportunity for diplomatic talks between Russia and a NATO member. It will be crucial to observe the outcomes of their discussions and their potential impact on regional dynamics, particularly in the context of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
For more coverage on the evolving Russia-Ukraine situation, visit https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine.
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