Putin said the grain arrangement allowing Ukraine to export safely over the Black Sea won't continue unless the West meets Moscow's agricultural export criteria. Putin's talks with Erdogan crushed hopes of a deal. Russia refused to prolong the arrangement due to missed food and fertilizer export commitments. Shipping and insurance constraints hindered their agricultural trade. Putin said he would return to the pact if these promises were kept.

Erdogan hopes for a breakthrough after Turkey and the U.N. proposed solutions. This negotiation is significant because Ukraine and Russia supply grains and other items to developing nations. Post-Russia exit grain prices rose, but they have stabilized, but the long-term future is questionable.

Putin addressed concerns by highlighting Russia's free grain to six African countries and inexpensive grain to Turkey for processing and transportation to needy nations. Russia has assaulted Odesa, Ukraine's main Black Sea port, to control exports and lessen Western sanctions. Moscow remains dissatisfied.

Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba urged Russia to return to the pact, saying Russia's withdrawal was illegal and political. Ukraine's counteroffensive against Kremlin invasion forces prompted these talks. Erdogan and Putin, both in power for nearly two decades, are close. Turkey has been a major economic partner for Russia during the Ukraine crisis, despite not joining Western sanctions. Turkey has also supported Ukraine's Western alliance ambitions.