UPDATE - Türkiye expects grain exports from Russia to start soon: President

UPDATES WITH MORE REMARKS FROM TURKISH PRESIDENT, ADDS BACKGROUND

By Diyar Guldogan

ANKARA (AA) – With Ukraine's grain exports ongoing under a landmark deal amid the war, Türkiye seconded Thursday the shipment of grain from Russia soon as well.

"We want grain shipments from Russia to start as well, we expect this," President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said at a news conference with his Croatian counterpart Zoran Milanovic in the capital Zagreb, the last stop of his three-nation Balkan tour.

Russian President Vladimir Putin Wednesday said "almost all" of the grain being exported from Ukraine's Black Sea ports "is sent not to the developing poorest countries, but to the EU countries."

Erdogan said Putin is "right" that Ukraine's grain "unfortunately" goes to the rich countries, not to poor ones.

"While sanctions against Russia continue, on the other hand, grain shipments to the countries that impose these sanctions are disturbing Putin," he added.

The Turkish leader said he will discuss this issue with Putin on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Uzbekistan in September.

Senior UN and Russian officials also met in Geneva on Wednesday to discuss Russia's complaints that Western sanctions were impeding its grain and fertilizer exports despite the deal.

Türkiye, the UN, Russia, and Ukraine signed an agreement in Istanbul on July 22 to resume grain exports from three Ukrainian Black Sea ports, which were paused after the Russia-Ukraine war began in February.

Since the first vessel sailed under the deal on Aug. 1, at least 100 ships have carried over 2.5 million tons of agricultural products from Ukraine.​​​​​​​

About the energy crisis in Europe, Erdogan said: "Energy prices are rising. Right now, Europe is in a rush how to spend this winter."

He voiced hope that it will be overcome with the steps to be taken by the governments.

Erdogan previously said that "Europe reaps what it sows," adding Putin reacts to European sanctions in a similar manner.

Putin on Wednesday said that Moscow is ready "to switch on" the Nord Stream II pipeline "tomorrow" to deliver gas to Europe if the EU gives a green light.