Dear Editor,

AMIDST the growing tension in the global environment following the invasion of Ukraine by Russia and the visit by Speaker Nancy Pelosi to Taiwan, there is one small glimmer of hope. Ukraine has recommenced shipments of grain from its ports in the Black Sea which had stopped since the February 20 Russian invasion.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the price of grain on the world market has already declined by nine per cent in July following the resumption of grain exports.

This is a small but welcome development brokered by the United Nations and the Turkish government which allowed for the safe passage of cargo vessels by both Russia and Ukraine. This is a victory, albeit modest, for diplomacy and showed that the United Nations can play a role in conflict resolutions.

Could this be the beginning of the end of the war in Ukraine, as hinted by former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroder who met with Russian President, Vladimir Putin, during his recent visit to Russia? One can only hope that such is the case. The war so far has not shown any sign of easing up with no clear ‘winners’ in sight. Both sides have experienced significant losses both in terms of military personnel and military hardware, not to mention civilian deaths and destruction of property.

I believe that some amount of ‘war fatigue’ is already stepping in on both sides which could very well lay the basis for a negotiated agreement between Russia and Ukraine. This, hopefully, could be brokered by the BRICS countries, mainly China and India which so far have not displayed any hostility nor support for any of the two warring sides. Brazil, South Africa and, more particularly, Turkey can also play a supporting role.

It is time for saner heads to prevail with a view to bringing this war, now in its sixth month, to an end. The whole of humanity is affected by this senseless war especially the Ukrainian people.

Yours sincerely,

Hydar Ally