Russian (Parliament Politic Magazine) – The highest-ranking Russian dignitary to journey to the European Union since the commencement of the conflict is presently engaged in discussions within Hungary. The focal point of these talks is the exploration of a potential novel Black Sea grain agreement that deliberately omits Ukraine.
Rustam Minnikhanov, who holds the position of leader in Russia’s Tatarstan region, lends his support to Russia’s military intervention in Ukraine. Although he is subjected to sanctions imposed by the United States, the European Union has refrained from imposing similar measures.
Conversation with Hungarian Prime Minister
In a recent statement, Mr. Minnikhanov expressed, “I arrived today in Budapest upon the gracious invitation of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban! Conversations with Prime Minister Orban centered on the constructive role Tatarstan plays in fortifying the ties between Russia and Hungary.”
Allegedly, Mr. Minnikhanor is actively advocating for the signing of an agreement with Qatar and Turkey, aiming to expedite the export of grains to Africa. A previously negotiated UN deal that permitted the export of grains from Ukraine fell apart in July.
Vladimir Putin has stated that Russia is capable of compensating for the decrease in exports to Africa. Under the prospective Budapest arrangement, Turkey is poised to take on the central role of cargo ship operation, while Qatar is positioned to provide financial backing.
Ukrainian authorities have emphasized that a grain agreement that doesn’t involve Kyiv could potentially embolden Russia to further appropriate grain from the regions of Ukraine it has occupied.
Mr. Orban has resisted EU sanctions targeting Russia, making him appear vulnerable within the Western alliance, which the Kremlin might attempt to take advantage of. He stands as the sole EU leader to have visited Moscow amid the conflict, making the trip to attend the funeral of former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev.
Hungary Continues to Purchase Natural Gas
Hungary continues to purchase Russian natural gas, and its corporations have expressed a desire to enhance their commercial activities in Russia. Hungary’s historical ties to Turkic origins have spurred efforts to enhance its connections with Turkic nations and territories, including Tatarstan. As part of this endeavor, Prime Minister Orban is presently welcoming leaders from various Turkic countries during the World Athletics Championship, which the country is currently hosting.
In a separate report by Germany’s Bild newspaper, it has been revealed that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the leader of Qatar, were also scheduled to arrive in Budapest on Sunday. Their visit might involve the signing of a new grain agreement with Mr. Minnikhanov, who is playing a significant role as a representative aligned with President Putin.
Similar to fellow provincial leaders, Mr. Minnikhanov’s placement can be attributed to Putin’s support, and he has expressed approval for the Ukraine invasion. During a January meeting, he informed Putin about deploying two battalions to aid the invasion and redirecting the local economy towards strengthening the defense industry.
Situated in central Russia, Tatarstan is additionally home to a significant new facility slated to manufacture Iranian-licensed drones designed for potential use against Ukraine.
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Restricting Imports in Central Europe
Nagy mentioned that he was engaged in discussions representing nations in Central and Eastern Europe that have encountered repercussions due to the amplified flow of Ukrainian grains. Ukraine has elevated its dependence on pathways passing through Eastern Europe.
Within the region of Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), five countries have endeavored to impose restrictions on imports of these shipments. They express concerns that the availability of less expensive Ukrainian grain is undermining the profitability of their domestic production.
According to him: “Turkey is a key player in the long-term handling of market difficulties caused by Ukrainian grain imports (in Central Europe).” On May 2, the European Union granted permission to Bulgaria, Hungary, Poland, Romania, and Slovakia to prohibit the internal trade of Ukrainian wheat, maize, rapeseed, and sunflower seeds.
However, these countries are permitted to facilitate the passage of grain shipments through their territories for the purpose of exporting to destinations outside their borders, including within the EU. The European Commission recently prolonged these constraints on the sale of Ukrainian grain within the territories of the aforementioned five countries, extending the restrictions until September 15th.