The Turkish president generally prefers to humor rather than irritate his Russian counterpart. Even so, Ankara holds a trump card in the form of naval capabilities sufficient for protecting and escorting grain ships coming to and leaving Odesa. And in the face of increased international pressure, Putin may soon feel he cannot afford to raise the stakes that high and seriously consider reviving the deal.
Baev, Pavel K. (2023) Russia remains stubborn on non-renewal of Ukraine grain deal, Eurasia Daily Monitor (1–2). 7 September.
