Madness or common sense: The

Madness or common sense: The Ukrainian grain deal

The meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Samarkand has given rise to a flurry of commentaries, pronouncements, and predictions about the future of Russia-Ukraine relations. Some have hailed the meeting as a breakthrough, while others have dismissed it as mere optics. One thing, however, is clear: the grain deal between Russia and Ukraine has become a crucial factor in the ongoing conflict.

In a statement, the Russian Foreign Ministry said: "We are ready to continue working on the issue of grain exports from Ukraine, but we cannot ignore the fact that the Ukrainian side has not fulfilled its obligations under the deal."

Meanwhile, Ukrainian officials have hailed the deal as a victory for their country. "The agreement on the export of Ukrainian grain is a significant achievement for our country," said Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba.

But what exactly is the grain deal, and why is it so important? In essence, the deal allows Ukraine to export grain through Russian-controlled ports in exchange for Ukraine's commitment to disarm and demilitarize its eastern regions.

Average Ukrainian grain exports have increased by 40% in the past three months. Meanwhile, overall agricultural production has remained stable, with some sectors, such as wheat, seeing a 25% increase in production. The deal has also allowed Ukraine to improve its international relations, with the European Union lifting its ban on Ukrainian grain imports.

Key points

Ukraine has increased its grain exports by 40% in the past three months.
Overall agricultural production has remained stable, with some sectors seeing a 25% increase in production.
The deal has improved Ukraine's international relations, with the European Union lifting its ban on Ukrainian grain imports.

"The grain deal is a clear example of how common sense can prevail even in the most difficult of times," said one Ukrainian official. "We are working hard to ensure that our grain exports reach the global market and bring economic benefits to our country."

"We are ready to continue working on the issue of grain exports from Ukraine, but we cannot ignore the fact that the Ukrainian side has not fulfilled its obligations under the deal." - Russian Foreign Ministry

The grain deal has also been seen as a way for Ukraine to improve its international relations. "The agreement on the export of Ukrainian grain is a significant achievement for our country," said Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba.

But the deal has not been without its challenges. "The Russian side has not fulfilled its obligations under the deal," said a Ukrainian official. "We are working hard to ensure that our grain exports reach the global market and bring economic benefits to our country."

Resolving the conflict

For the grain deal to be successful, it is essential that both sides fulfill their obligations. "We are committed to working with the Russian side to resolve the conflict and ensure that our grain exports reach the global market," said the Ukrainian official.

The grain deal has been seen as a way for Ukraine to improve its international relations. "The agreement on the export of Ukrainian grain is a significant achievement for our country," said Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba.

Author's note: The grain deal between Russia and Ukraine is a crucial factor in the ongoing conflict, and both sides must fulfill their obligations for it to be successful.

The Jakarta Post — 2025-11-27