Ukraine is one of the largest exporters of wheat, corn, and sunflower oil. When war broke out between Ukraine and Russia, global food prices rose significantly. Following this, a deal was brokered by the United Nations and Turkey to safely export grain and foodstuffs through ports on the Black Sea. Ships were allowed to carry grain from three ports: Chornomorsk, Odesa, and Yuzhny/Pivdennyi. They stop in Istanbul to be looked at by inspectors from Russia, Ukraine, Turkey, and the UN before continuing to its final destination. 

On Oct. 29, Russia announced that they were pulling out of the grain deal, accusing Ukraine of attacking Russian ships in Crimea. This led to an immediate spike in wheat prices. Many world leaders condemned Russia for this action. After, a call from the Turkish president, and assurances from Ukraine, Russia agreed to resume the deal.

The grain deal expired on November 19th, 2022, but it was just renewed until March of 2023. Many people think that Russia agreeing to the deal once again is a sign that Russia is feeling some international pressure. However, Putin has been ignoring other global calls for deescalation. Russia has also refused to send more inspectors to the checkpoint in Istanbul, causing a major ship backup.