Ukraine grain deal parties agree to engage on UN proposals - UN

Officials from Ukraine, Russia, Turkey and the United Nations on Thursday discussed recent U.N. proposals on a deal allowing the safe Black Sea export of Ukraine grain, which Moscow has threatened to quit on May 18 over obstacles to its own grain and fertilizer exports.

"The meeting discussed the recent proposals by the United Nations, namely the resumption of the Togliatti-Odesa ammonia pipeline, the longer extension of the deal, improvements at the Joint Coordination Centre for stable operations and exports, as well as other issues raised by the parties," the U.N. said.

"The parties presented their views and agreed to engage with those elements going forward," the U.N. said in a statement.