INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
Cargo ships loaded with grain and other agricultural products left Ukrainian ports on Monday despite Russia's decision to pull out from a
landmark deal designed to ease the global food crisis.As one of the brokers of the grain deal, Turkey has stepped up diplomacy with the two
warring countries in a bid to save it as Russia warned that continuing to enforce the agreement without its participation would be
"dangerous".At least 10 ships including the Ikaria Angel -- chartered by the World Food Programme and loaded with 30,000 tonnes of wheat
destined for an emergency response in the Horn of Africa -- left Ukrainian ports on Monday, according to a website that tracks marine
The food must flow," Amir M
Monday and four more were due to head to the country, according to the Joint Coordination Center (JCC) that has been overseeing the
agreement brokered by Turkey and the UN.'Diplomatic feat'The marine traffic came two days after Russia notified the United Nations and
Turkey that it was suspending its participation in the grain agreement, after Moscow accused Ukraine of a "massive" drone attack on its
whose country has stayed neutral throughout the eight-month war in Ukraine, vowed to pursue efforts to keep the agreement in force despite
Russia's moves."Although Russia acts hesitantly..
Russian President Vladimir Putin to get back to the table, it would underline Ankara's brand as the country that can talk to both Ukraine
and Russia, from a neutral stance."If Turkey is able to return Russia back to the deal, Ankara will be able to say to everyone 'Hey, let me
stay where I am because you know that it works and it helps you.' It could be quite a significant diplomatic feat for Ankara," he told
and UN delegations, with Russia informed of the movements, the JCC said in a statement late on Sunday
conditions where Russia talks about the impossibility of guaranteeing the safety of navigation in these areas, such a deal is hardly
And it takes on a different character, much more risky, dangerous," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists.Russian defence
minister Sergei Shoigu spoke on Monday to his Turkish counterpart Hulusi Akar about Moscow's suspension of the deal."Questions about the
suspension, by the Russian side, of the implementation of the agreement on the export of agricultural products from Ukrainian ports as part
of the 'Black Sea Grain Initiative' were discussed," the Russian defence ministry said on Telegram
Suspending this initiative will not benefit Russia, Ukraine or anyone else."Ukraine, one of the world's largest grain exporters, was
exported and was due to be renewed on November 19.A separate deal signed with Russia allowed the export of Russian food and fertilisers,
despite Western sanctions imposed on Moscow
But it was never implemented, to the dismay of Moscow, which has complained about the issue for weeks.
