Mykhailo Podoliak, adviser to the Head of the Office of Ukrainian President, believes that the “Russian blackmailer” [i.e. Vladimir Putin] surrenders to those who are stronger; this can be seen in the example of Russia’s decision to return to the Black Sea Grain Initiative, thanks to the intermediation of Türkiye.
Source: Podoliak on Twitter
Quote: “What lesson should Western leaders learn from ‘Ottoman grain diplomacy’? A ‘blackmailer’ with Russian roots is inferior to those who are stronger and know how to state their position clearly.
The way to ‘pacify’ the aggressor lies through a reasonable demonstration of force.”
Background:
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Russia announced the suspension of its participation in the Black Sea Grain Initiative after the attack on vessels of the Black Sea Fleet in occupied Sevastopol (Crimea) on 29 October.
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The UN then stated that all agreements remained in force and that inspectors of the organisation would carry on checking the ships.
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The very next day [31 October], Putin began to hint that the Russian Federation was prepared to return to the agreement; on 2 November, Russia’s Ministry of Defence announced its return to the grain deal following receipt of “guarantees” from Ukraine.
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Amir Abdullah, UN Permanent Representative to the Joint Coordination Centre in Istanbul, welcomed Moscow’s return to the Black Sea Grain Initiative.
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