Russia's Lavrov to discuss Ukraine, grain and energy in visit to Turkey

FILE PHOTO: Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov attends a joint news conference with Nicaraguan Foreign Minister Denis Moncada following their meeting in Moscow, Russia March 30, 2023. Maxim Shipenkov/Pool via REUTERS

MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and his Turkish counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu will discuss the conflict in Ukraine, energy cooperation and the Black Sea grain deal during a two-day visit by a Russian delegation this week.

Turkey has positioned itself as a potential intermediary between Kyiv and Moscow in the 13-month conflict, brokering the only significant diplomatic breakthrough so far in the shape of a deal that facilitates exports of grain from Ukraine's Black Sea ports despite a Russian blockade.