RUSSIA: Erdogan To Meet Putin In Sochi, Russia "Soon"

A spokesperson for Turkish President Recep Erdogan's AK Party has confirmed to reporters that Erdogan will travel to Sochi, Russia to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin, "soon."

• According to the AK Party spokesperson, "Turkey hopes there will be developments regarding the [Black Sea] grain deal" after Erdogan's visit.
• Bloomberg reported a short time ago that, "Erdogan is expected to meet Vladimir Putin in Russia next week to discuss reviving the Black Sea grain deal..."
• Sources told Bloomberg that, "Erdogan could possibly go to Russia on Sept. 8, before traveling to India to attend the Group of 20 Summit in New Delhi."
• Erdogan remains close to Putin and despite a recent pivot back to the West, which has included a handshake approval of Sweden's NATO bid and more overt condemnation of Russia's war in Ukraine, Erdogan is considered the NATO leader with the most influence over the Russian president.
• Erdogan said at a Crimea summit in Kyiv last week: “We believe it is important to avoid taking any actions during this process that will exacerbate tension and disrupt the peace in the Black Sea.”