The Black Sea Grain Initiative, established in July 2022, was a pivotal agreement involving Ukraine, Russia, Turkey, and the United Nations. Its primary objective was to facilitate the safe export of grain and other foodstuffs from three key Ukrainian ports—Odesa, Chornomorsk, and Yuzhny/Pivdennyi—via the Black Sea. This initiative aimed to address the global food crisis exacerbated by the disruption of Ukrainian grain exports due to the conflict. Under the terms of the agreement, a Joint Coordination Centre (JCC) was established in Istanbul, comprising representatives from Russia, Ukraine, Turkey, and the UN. The JCC’s role was to monitor the implementation of the initiative, ensuring that commercial vessels could navigate designated corridors safely and that shipments were inspected to prevent unauthorized cargo. By mid-July 2023, the initiative had enabled the export of nearly 33 million tonnes of grain and other food products to 45 countries, significantly alleviating global food shortages. Over 50% of these exports were maize, which had been particularly affected by storage blockages in Ukraine at the onset of the conflict.
However, on July 17, 2023, Russia announced its withdrawal from the Black Sea Grain Initiative, leading to the expiration of the deal. The Russian government cited unfulfilled obligations as the primary reason for its exit, expressing dissatisfaction with the implementation of key aspects of the agreement. Specifically, Russia pointed to obstacles hindering its own food and fertilizer exports, which it claimed were not adequately addressed under the deal. Following its withdrawal, Russia intensified attacks on Ukraine’s port infrastructure, particularly in the Odesa region, a critical hub for grain exports. These strikes targeted merchant ships and port facilities, resulting in casualties and further disrupting Ukraine’s ability to export grain. Such actions have raised concerns about the stability of global food supplies, especially in regions heavily dependent on Ukrainian grain. As of March 2025, reports indicate that Russia has expressed interest in restoring the Black Sea Grain Initiative. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov acknowledged ongoing discussions aimed at resuming the deal, emphasizing the need to address the previously unmet obligations that led to Russia’s initial withdrawal. These talks involve key stakeholders, including the United States, and are focused on ensuring the safety of merchant shipping and facilitating the export of both Ukrainian and Russian agricultural products.