Erdogan announces 2-month extension of Ukraine Black Sea grain deal

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has announced another extension of a deal that allows Ukrainian grain to be exported via the Black Sea.

Erdogan disclosed through social media and other means on Wednesday that the pact will be maintained till mid-July.

Russia and Ukraine in July last year agreed on the Black Sea Grain Initiative, aimed at facilitating the resumption of exports of Ukrainian farm products. The deal was brokered by the United Nations and Turkey.

But Moscow had been saying that no progress has been made on issues blocking the exports of agricultural goods from Russia.

So concerns were on the rise that Russia might not agree to another extension after Thursday, when Russia claims the pact is due to expire.