Moscow is open to the possibility of resuming Ukrainian exports through the Black Sea Grain Initiative if the United Nations (UN) fulfills its promises regarding sanctions relief. Yury Ushakov, the foreign policy adviser for Russian President Vladimir Putin, stated that the deal is currently suspended due to the lack of implementation of the Russian part of the agreement.
The Black Sea Grain Initiative, which allowed Ukraine to export its food products via the Black Sea, consisted of two main parts signed in 2022. One part of the deal required Russian guarantees of safety for commercial ships traveling to and from Ukrainian ports, with inspections taking place in Istanbul. The second part of the agreement called for the lifting of Western economic sanctions that hindered the export of Russian food and fertilizers.
However, Moscow recently decided not to renew the agreement it had signed with the UN and Türkiye, resulting in the termination of the grain deal. Despite this, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres’ deputy spokesman, Farhan Haq, confirmed that Ushakov’s comments did not change the legal status of the agreement.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Vershinin expressed disappointment at the lack of progress in implementing the deal. He noted that Russia had been receiving promises for an entire year without any tangible outcome. Vershinin stated that if the UN delivers on its promises, Moscow would be willing to renew the part of the agreement related to Ukrainian exports in a new form.
Moscow has also criticized the grain deal for deviating from its original humanitarian justifications. Instead of benefiting the most food-insecure countries, most of the Ukrainian products were sent to wealthier nations. The Russian government argued that the deal had become a purely commercial project intended to line the pockets of international grain traders while providing Kiev with resources for its armed conflict against Russia.
Additionally, Russian military officials have accused Ukraine of abusing the deal by using the safe navigation corridor to launch military attacks on Crimea. These allegations further strained the already fragile relationship between the two countries.
In summary, Moscow has expressed its willingness to revive the Black Sea Grain Initiative if the UN fulfills its commitments regarding sanctions relief. However, the lack of progress in implementing the agreement has led to its suspension and termination. Moscow also criticizes the deal for straying from its initial humanitarian purpose and becoming a tool for Ukraine’s military activities. The future of the grain deal remains uncertain, pending further developments and negotiations between the involved parties.
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