French President Emmanuel Macron praised Turkey for its role in the signing of the Black Sea Grain Initiative during the Russia-Ukraine War and its diplomacy efforts along the Moscow-Kiev line in a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Following a meeting at the Elysee Palace with his Ukrainian counterpart, Macron held a joint press conference where he commended Turkey for its efforts in facilitating grain exports between Kiev and Moscow amid the ongoing war. Macron highlighted the importance of the Black Sea Grain Initiative Agreement, brokered under the auspices of the United Nations (UN) in 2022 to reduce the global impact of the Russia-Ukraine War on food prices, acknowledging that Russia’s withdrawal from the agreement hindered progress. Macron expressed satisfaction with Turkey’s initiatives to reopen peace and grain (exports) avenues in the Black Sea, emphasizing Turkey’s special role in the region.

Regarding the deployment of troops to Ukraine as part of security guarantees, Macron clarified that these forces would not be combat troops but rather act as a deterrent as part of a peace agreement. He also cautioned that it was “too early” to consider lifting sanctions against Russia in the event of a ceasefire, stating that this depended on Russia’s compliance with international law.