By KYIV. Sept 5 (Interfax-Ukraine) – Ukraine’s position on the Black Sea Grain Initiative is not to be held hostage to Russian blackmail, Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said, commenting on Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s call that Ukraine needs to “soften its approaches” to resume the grain deal.
“We had fruitful contacts with the Turkish side on the eve of the meeting between Putin and Erdogan, we clearly conveyed our position, explained everything, our position is fair: we should no longer be hostages of Russian blackmail, when Russia creates problems, and then invites everyone to solve them. Therefore, let’s listen to what our Turkish colleagues brought from Sochi, find out all the details and make decisions,” he said on the air of the telethon on Monday.
The minister said Ukraine would unequivocally “defend all fundamental positions,” including regarding sanctions pressure on Russia.
“At the same time, I would like to note that in fact there are no sanctions against agricultural products of Russia, and this is Russia’s speculation,” Kuleba said.
Earlier, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Ukraine needs to “soften its approaches” to resume the grain deal, from which Russia withdrew in July.
