The text is a transcript of a podcast episode about the Black Sea grain deal, a temporary agreement between Russia, Ukraine, Turkey and the UN to allow the export of Ukrainian grain through the Black Sea to developing countries. The episode discusses the background, terms, benefits and drawbacks of the deal, as well as the reasons and consequences of its collapse in July 2022. The episode also covers the escalation of the conflict in the Black Sea region, especially the attacks on port infrastructure and ships by Ukrainian drones. The episode features different perspectives and opinions from experts and analysts on the situation.
Possible concise summary:
This podcast episode explores the Black Sea grain deal, a short-lived agreement that enabled Ukraine to export grain to poor countries via the Black Sea with Turkey's mediation. The episode examines why Russia withdrew from the deal in 2022 and how this sparked more violence in the region, especially by Ukrainian drones targeting ports and vessels. The episode also presents various views and insights from experts on the implications of the deal and its breakdown.
Here are some key facts extracted from the text:
1. The United States announced a naval blockade of Cuba in 1962 after discovering Soviet missiles on the island.
2. Russia declared the northwestern and southeastern parts of the Black Sea as dangerous for shipping and potential military targets in July 2022.
3. Ukraine and Russia signed a grain deal in Istanbul in 2022, mediated by Turkey and the UN, to allow the export of Ukrainian grain through the Black Sea.
4. Russia withdrew from the grain deal in July 2023, citing unfulfilled conditions and dissatisfaction with the distribution of grain to poor countries.
5. After the withdrawal, attacks on the port infrastructure of Ukraine and Russia intensified, involving drones, missiles and patrol ships.
6. The main cargoes exported from the Black Sea ports are grain, oil and fertilizers.
7. The export of Russian oil from Novorossiysk is threatened by Ukrainian drones, which could also affect Kazakhstan and international companies.