Ukraine's grain shipment deal with Turkey, which allowed exports through the Black Sea ends today, with Russia and Turkey agreeing to an extension of the deal.
However, they have different views on its duration.
Russia wants it to be extended for only 60 days, while Ukraine and Turkey suggest extending it for 120 days like the initial agreement in July.
Despite the differences, the UN is working to bridge the gap and continue with the deal.
The agreement brokered in July by Turkey and the UN has seen 11 million tonnes of agricultural products shipped from three of Ukraine's Black Sea ports.
A deal allowing the export of Ukrainian grain over the Black Sea has been renewed, announced by Turkish President Erdogan and the UN. The agreement was concluded after talks with Russia and Ukraine, and although details of the duration were not provided, it has been revealed that Russia and Ukraine have differing views on how long the extension should be.
Russia wants the deal to be extended for 60 days only, while Ukraine and Turkey suggest 120 days.
The UN is working to bridge the gap between their views so the deal can continue.
This deal has been deemed of "vital importance" by Erdogan, adding that he thanks Russia and Ukraine for not sparing their efforts to extend the deal.
The United Nations has pushed for a 120-day renewal, in line with the initial agreement.
Since it began last year, the deal has helped alleviate food shortages and limited price increases.
Despite a Russian blockade along the Kerch Strait, the deal allows ships carrying grain and fertilizers from Ukraine safe passage to Turkish waters, where they are inspected by a joint team of Turkish, U.N., Ukrainian and Russian officials.
The deal was brokered to resolve measures to allow Ukraine to continue exporting grain for months after its seaports were blocked by Russia.
Since the deal began in July, more than 11 tons of Ukrainian grain has been shipped from three of Ukraine's Black Sea ports, including over 4 million tonnes of corn and more than 3 million tonnes of wheat.
Ultimately, the UN's main objective is to provide a global food supply while balancing the interests of both parties involved.