According to Western media, an agreement to unblock grain exports from Ukrainian ports will contain several major security conditions. It is to be signed today at 4.30 p.m. Kyiv time in Istanbul. ProAgro Group reports this, citing BBC News Ukraine.
In particular, according to Reuters, the main conditions are as follows:
- Ukrainian naval forces will escort vessels carrying grain through minefields.
- Russia pledges not to attack during the passage of the ships.
- Turkey, with UN support, will inspect the ships en route to Odessa to prevent them from carrying weapons, as demanded by Russia.
Earlier sources of the BBC also confirmed that this scheme was being discussed.
At the talks in Istanbul, the sides agreed to establish a joint coordination center, which will be engaged in control of vessels entering and leaving the ports and also in ensuring security during the delivery of food.
As The New York Times specifies, Ukraine must agree to remove some of its mines in the Black Sea in order for cargo ships to pass into international waters with their navy or coast guard captains.
