Ukr FM Kuleba: Deal On Grain Export Close But Not Precursor To Peace

Four-way talks between delegations from Russia, Ukraine, Turkey, and the United Nations kicked off this morning at 10:00 BST 12:00 local time in Istanbul with spokespeople from the Russian and Ukrainian camps reporting varying levels of optimism.

• Reuters has reported Russian Foreign Minister Dmitri Kuleba saying an agreement to facilitate grain exports was "two steps away," and that "everything depends on Russia" for the "final phase."
• Kuleba cautioned that talks over grain are not a precursor for peace negotiations. Kyiv has again maintained that Ukraine will not cede territory to achieve a peace settlement with Russia.
• Moscow was less optimistic on talks and accused Ukraine of refusing to de-mine Black Sea routes. Moscow also claims that US-led sanctions on Russia are preventing the exportation of Russian grain and fertiliser. Although agricultural products are not targeted by sanctions, the Kremlin claims that sanctions affect shipping insurance, logistics, banking, and other services related to the exportation of goods.
• The talks so-far recall failed attempts by Turkey to mediate the opening of humanitarian corridors to evacuate Ukrainian civilians from Eastern Ukraine in the early stages of the war.
• Russian President Vladimir Putin will meet with Turkish President Recep Erdogan at a trilateral meeting with Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi in Tehran tomorrow.
• It will be the first face-to-face meeting between a NATO leader and Putin since the war began. A significant event but heavily caveated by the Raisi's presence. This week Russia agreed to purchase Iranian drones another sign of an increased cooperation between Moscow and Tehran that US NSA Jake Sullivan described as a "profound threat."
• The Istanbul talks may not yield immediate positive developments towards a peace settlement but the increased diplomatic activity may signal an end to a long period of diplomatic silence.