Talks End in Failure

Turkey attempted to mediate safe passage in the Black Sea for Ukraine's grain harvest, but objected to the Black Sea proposal in a statement on Tuesday before the talks in Turkey.

A significant portion of the world's food supply is on the line, but Ukraine Nixes a Potential Deal. 

"We cannot rule out Russia's plans to use such a corridor to attack Odessa and southern Ukraine. That is why effective security guarantees are needed to restore shipping," the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry said.

The stakes of a possible deal are enormous, with a significant portion of the world's food supply on the line. Russia's invasion left around 20 million metric tons of grain and seeds stranded in Ukrainian territory seized by Russia or cut off from the Black Sea ports through which it is normally exported. Russia's bombing of roads, bridges and other infrastructure, along with a blockade of Ukraine's ports, have added to the obstacles to getting grain out of the country, Ukrainian officials and farmers say.

"We emphasize that decisions must be made with the participation of all parties involved. We will reject any agreements that do not take into account the interests of Ukraine," the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry said Tuesday.