A deal to allow Ukraine to resume grain exports was signed today in Istanbul. It allows roughly 20 million tons of grain, which have been blocked by Russia, to be exported from Ukraine. It is considered a breakthrough that could ease a global food crisis.
The United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres calls the deal a “beacon of hope” in the war, and it “did not come easy,” according to AP News. This means Russia agrees to a truce to allow grain exports. Turkey will inspect the ships to make sure they are no weapons on board.
Leaders are calling it a diplomatic victory in the war, which has entered its sixth month.
The UN says the first shipments could begin in months.
Related:
Russia and Ukraine will resume talks today to get grain out
Russia’s “real war crime” is blocked grain shipments
Ukraine wants Turkey to help find three Russian-flagged ships in grain theft
Story via Ayse Wieting and Suzan Fraser with AP News
