A new Black Sea trade deal was almost reached between Russia, Ukraine, and Turkey, but sources say Ukraine walked away.
The three nations negotiated for two months to ensure the safety of shipping in the Black Sea again, and an agreement was set to be announced last month. Reuters reports Ukraine pulled out at the last minute, but did not say why.
However, in February, Ukraine’s president said his country could not properly defend the corridor if there were a lapse in U.S. military aid. The United Nations says it hopes freedom of navigation will prevail.
In July, Russia chose not to renew the original trade deal allowing foreign grain exports to leave Ukraine safely.
