EU agrees on partial ban of Russian oil imports 

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan advised his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky throughout a name on Monday that Ankara locations “specific significance” on efforts to determine a protected hall to export Ukrainian agricultural merchandise by sea, a Turkish readout of the decision mentioned. 

On Friday, Zelensky mentioned that 22 million tons of grain, accounting for practically half of Ukraine’s grain export provide, is being held up by Russia’s blockade of the principle export routes by way of the Black Sea and Azov Sea.  

Erdogan advised Zelensky, in keeping with the readout, that Turkey made each effort to proceed negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv and is able to present extra assist, together with mediation.

Erdogan additionally advised the Ukrainian chief that Turkey would welcome — in precept — becoming a member of a doable Istanbul-based monitoring heart with the participation of Ukraine, Russia and the United Nations. 

Erdogan additionally spoke to Putin on Monday: Based on a Kremlin readout of a Monday name between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Erdogan, Russia’s chief mentioned Moscow would assist an “unimpeded” export of Ukrainian grain from Ukrainian ports.

The 2 leaders had a “thorough” dialogue on “the topic of bilateral cooperation, primarily within the commerce and financial sphere,” the Kremlin mentioned.  

“When discussing the state of affairs in Ukraine, emphasis was positioned on the problems of guaranteeing protected navigation within the Black and Azov Seas,” it added.  

Based on the Kremlin, Putin conveyed Russia’s “readiness” to “facilitate the unimpeded maritime transit of products in coordination with Turkish companions,” including that this place “applies to the export of grain from Ukrainian ports.”

Russia can also be able to “export important volumes of fertilizers and agricultural merchandise” if the sanctions positioned on the nation “are lifted,” Putin added, in keeping with the Kremlin readout of Monday’s name.  

Based on a Turkish readout of the decision between each leaders, Erdogan provided to host talks between Russia, Ukraine, and the United Nations in Istanbul.

CNN’s Anna Chernova and Niamh Kennedy contributed reporting to this put up.