Russia on Saturday denied to Ankara any involvement in the strikes against the Ukrainian port of Odessa, Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar said.
“The Russians told us that they had absolutely nothing to do with this attack and that they were looking into the matter very closely,” said Mr. Akar, while Moscow did not react officially on Saturday.
Mr. Akar also said that Turkey was “concerned” by these strikes against the port of Odessa, which occurred the day after the signing in Istanbul by kyiv and Moscow of an agreement on the resumption of Ukrainian grain exports.
“We will continue to assume our responsibilities in the agreement we reached yesterday,” however added Mr. Akar.
This agreement should allow the export of 20 to 25 million tonnes of grain blocked in Ukraine due to the ongoing conflict.
Unkept promises
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenksy on Saturday accused Russia of systematically violating its commitments after Russian forces bombarded the port of Odessa, according to kyiv, the day after the agreement for the resumption of Ukrainian grain exports.
“It only proves one thing: no matter what Russia says and promises, it will find ways not to implement it,” Zelensky said during a meeting with a delegation of US lawmakers. according to a press release from the presidency.
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