Russia says it shows ‘goodwill’ in extending grain deal
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The prices of corn and wheat have been under pressure on hopes of a deal renewal.
PHOTO: REUTERS
KYIV - A Russian official said that a landmark deal allowing Ukraine to export grain through its Black Sea ports has been extended for 60 days, although Kyiv said it would stick to a 120-day extension and Turkey said talks were ongoing.
Since Russia and Ukraine signed the UN-backed Black Sea Grain Initiative in Turkey in July 2022, millions of tonnes of grain and other food products have been exported from Ukrainian ports.
Russia said on Tuesday it had agreed out of “goodwill” to extend the Black Sea deal, which was set to expire on March 18, but a key part of the agreement was still not being implemented to Moscow’s satisfaction.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov criticised the West for not doing enough to remove obstacles to Russia’s own agricultural and fertiliser exports, and said contacts over the deal would continue.
Asked why Russia had extended the deal for 60 days – as opposed to the 120-day extension period set out in the agreement – Mr Peskov said Moscow’s decision was “a gesture of goodwill... in the hope that after such a long time, the obligations that have been assumed will be fulfilled”.
He added: “It is obvious that the second part of the deal, which concerns us, has not yet been fulfilled ... The deal cannot stand on (only) one leg.”
Moscow says Western countries committed to lifting restrictions which hamper Russia’s own agricultural and fertiliser exports, but have not met those commitments.
Western sanctions do not directly target Russia’s agricultural sector, but Moscow says measures against Russian insurers, logistics companies, ships and banks act as a de facto block on Russia’s exports.
United Nations officials gave no immediate comment on the extension.
It was not immediately clear how the deal could be extended for half of the previous renewal. Turkey said talks continued, while Ukraine said it will stick to the terms of the previously agreed deal.
“We will follow the agreement strictly,” said a senior Ukrainian government official, who declined to be identified. REUTERS
