The grain deal between Ukraine and Russia, which was due to expire today, has been extended at the last minute. It is an extension of 120 days, says Ukrainian Minister Oleksandr Kubrakov (Infrastructure) on Saturday. The Kremlin speaks of a different term.
Earlier in the day, the grain deal appeared to be coming to an end. Russia and Ukraine were diametrically opposed to each other in talks regarding the duration of a possible extension. The Ukrainians wanted an extension of 120 days, while the Russians did not want to go beyond half that.
That the deal will be extended came out at the beginning of the followingnoon. But Russia and Ukraine still don’t seem to agree.
Ukraine was talking regarding an extension of 120 days. But Maria Zakharova, spokesman for the Russian Foreign Ministry, talks regarding 60 days. Russia would have informed all parties involved, Zakharova told the Russian RBC said.
The United Nations (UN) and Turkey, involved in the deal, confirmed the extension. A term was not mentioned by the UN. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan also did not say how long the deal has been extended.
Before the deal, Ukraine might not export grain for months
The grain deal, which allowed Ukrainian grain and other agricultural products to be transported through the Black Sea once more, was closed in July last year. Before then, Ukraine might not export grain for months following the invasion by Russia.
Ukraine is one of the largest grain exporters in the world, so the sudden stop had major consequences. Food shortages in poor countries increased, while prices of grain, among other things, rose worldwide.
Ukrainian minister Kubrakov is grateful to the United Nations and Turkey for their mediation, he said earlier Saturday. “Thanks to our joint efforts, 25 million tons of Ukrainian grain can find its way to the world market,” he wrote on Twitter.
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