Economist Podcasts With the grain, assault: Ukraine’s iffy deal
Jul 25, 2022
Anton LaGuardia, diplomatic editor for The Economist, discusses the dire implications of recent missile strikes on Odessa and their impact on a crucial grain deal for Ukraine’s exports amidst a global food crisis. Greg Karlstrom, Middle East correspondent, analyzes Tunisia’s political turmoil and the risky shift towards authoritarianism as citizens prepare to vote on a new constitution. The contrast between the optimism of the Arab Spring and today's challenges is stark, revealing a troubling trajectory for democracy in the region.
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Grain Deal Terms
- The grain deal establishes a sea ceasefire with a humanitarian corridor for cargo ships.
- A joint committee will inspect ships, overseen by Turkey and the UN, with Ukrainian pilots navigating minefields.
Unusual Deal Structure
- The grain deal is an agreement between Russia and Ukraine with the UN, not directly between the warring parties.
- The signing ceremony highlighted the tension, with the ministers separated by the UN Secretary-General and Turkey's president.
Deal's Fragility
- The grain deal lacks enforcement mechanisms and clear details on the humanitarian corridor.
- Its viability is questioned, given the ongoing conflict and Russia's broader aims in Ukraine.