Negotiations to unblock the export of Ukrainian grain to the international market began in Istanbul today.

This was reported by RIA Novosti.

Delegations from Turkey, Ukraine, the UN and Russia are taking part in the talks, which are closed to the press.

A reminder that earlier Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar said that the problem of Ukrainian grain exports via the Black Sea is close to a solution.

Additionally, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said that Ukraine was two steps away from a deal with Russia to export grain to the international market.