Russia reports talks on Turkey's Black Sea grain plan

Russia reported Tuesday that diplomatic talks continue over Turkey's proposal for safe grain passage in the Black Sea, as Moscow seeks alternative export routes for its grain shipments. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed further diplomatic contacts on the Turkish initiative, adding that Russia is working to establish alternative routes for grain exports. Both Russia and Ukraine have intensified attacks on each other's grain ships in recent months, driving up global grain prices. Turkey and the United Nations brokered the Black Sea Grain Initiative in July 2022, enabling safe Ukrainian grain exports during the conflict. Russia withdrew from the agreement in 2023, citing obstacles to its own food and fertilizer exports.