Kuleba names a possible reason Putin might agree to relieve the siege of Ukrainian ports

Dana Hordiichuk — Monday, 18 July 2022, 21:37

Ukrainian Minister of Foreign Affairs Dmytro Kuleba claims that the only reason why the Russian Federation might agree to relieve the siege of Ukrainian ports is to garner the support of African and Asian countries for "rescuing [them] from hunger."

Source: Dmytro Kuleba, interview with Forbes Ukraine

Kuleba noted that Ukraine is one step away from a positive result regarding the relief of the sea siege for the export of Ukrainian grain.

"Delegations met at the level of experts and discussed a number of security issues that are within the competence of the military and logisticians at the meeting in Istanbul. Politically, we understand the framework. Yet, [we] still have to resolve logistical and security issues," Dmytro Kuleba said.

The minister believes that there is only one "logical" argument why Russian president Vladimir Putin might agree to relieve the siege.

"It is his [Putin's - ed.] desire to show countries that remain neutral or are more inclined to the Russian position in the war (in Africa, Asia) that he saved them from hunger, from rising food prices," Dmytro Kuleba explained. "However, I don't understand why he might be inclined to do it for any other reason."

Dmytro Kuleba believes that Putin is undermining his own efforts to suppress the Ukrainian economy by agreeing to unblock Ukrainian ports.

"I think that now he [Putin -ed.] balances Russia's reputation in Asian and African countries against his reluctance to let Ukraine earn a penny," the Minister summarised.

Background:

• During a meeting held by Ukraine, the United Nations, the Russian Federation and Turkey in Istanbul, all parties agreed to relieve the siege of three Ukrainian ports for the export of grain, while all vessels should be inspected by the Turkish Navy.
• The corridor for the transportation of Ukrainian grain and agricultural products through the Black Sea should become operational this week, after the parties sign the document on its establishment.
• Turkish Minister of Defence, Hulusi Akar stated that the participants of the quadrilateral talks in Istanbul on Wednesday agreed on the creation of a coordination centre for the export of Ukrainian grain by sea. UN Secretary General António Guterres said that the parties made a "critical step forward" during the meeting.