Erdogan: Putin Talks Could Lead To Restoration Of Black Sea Grain Deal

Wires carrying comments from Turkish President Recep Erdogan stating that he believes, "planned talks with [Russian President Vladimir] Putin could lead to restoration of Black Sea grain initiative," and urging the West to take action "according to Russia's demands."

• Turkey remains the key third-party player in the grain deal despite a recent 'handshake' deal with Sweden on NATO membership which was seen as nudging Ankara closer to the West.
• AP reports: "Some observers in Moscow speculate that Russia agreed to extend the grain deal for two months in May to help Erdogan win reelection but was appalled to see his pro-Western shift afterward."
• Although Moscow initially left the door open to returning to the deal, a sustained aerial bombardment of Ukrainian gain infrastructure has significantly dampened market expectation that the deal can be salvage.
• Putin is, however, expected to be under pressure from African partners, exposed high grain prices, to restore the deal or outline an alternate plan.
• Putin is scheduled to visit Ankara in August but Erdogan said this week that they will likely hold a call before then to discuss the grain deal.