FT: Ukraine, Russia Near Deal On Grain Exports

TheFT is reportingthat according to people familiar with the UN-led negotiations in Istanbul, Russia and Ukraine are nearing a deal that could secure the safe passage of grain through the Black Sea. However, a note of caution is raised, stating that there is still no agreement on how to ensure the security of ports and ships along the route.

• FT reports that "Russia and Ukraine have agreed to monitor ships en route to and from ports including Odesa at two control centres — one in Istanbul and a second on the Black Sea — where the ships will be inspected. Russia has also given some assurances it will not launch strikes on cargo ships that would collect the 22mn tonnes of wheat, corn and other products"
• Russian President Vladimir Putin is in Tehran to discuss, among other issues, the prospect of a deal with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.