Introduction
Türkiye’s latest success, in bringing the warring sides of Ukraine and Russia to an agreement on the export of grain out of Ukraine’s ports, is due to Ankara’s long time rational strategy of having access to both capitals by keeping the dialog open even during times of conflict. Türkiye is the only country in the world that is speaking to both sides at the same time and this skillful diplomacy of hers has given its fruits finally in the newly signed grain deal- which is going to be effective in helping to avert the anticipated worldwide food shortages. Before going into the details of this grain deal, how Türkiye has managed to assure and bring together both Moscow and Kyiv to sign an agreement, even though fighting is continuing on the ground in Ukraine, needs to be analyzed. To understand the details of this grain deal one needs to focus first on the Turkish diplomacy that has been on track before and during the Ukraine war, with the Russian and Ukrainian governments.
