Major Ukrainian Ports
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who has a central role in the grain deal, announced the two-month extension after Russia had agreed not to block ships from leaving two Ukrainian ports.
“These agreements matter for global food security; Ukrainian and Russian products feed the world, ”said UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
“I am hopeful that we will reach a broad agreement to improve, expand and expand the initiative.”
Russia has repeatedly threatened to pull out of the deal, which was due to expire on May 18, and again on Wednesday denounced “oddities” in implementing it.
Kiev accuses Russia of still effectively refusing to register its ships and carrying out lengthy inspections.
“It’s a good thing that (the deal) has been extended,” said US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan. “Unfortunately, Russia continues to use rhetoric to hold it hostage in various ways, even in a moment of expansion.”
On land, fighting continued for control of the eastern city of Bakhmut.
