Russia wants to extend the grain deal with Ukraine by just 60 days. Russia has no objection to a further extension, but “only for 60 days,” Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Vershinin said today after talks with UN officials in Geneva.
As a condition, he called for progress on a parallel agreement on Russian agricultural exports. Ukraine criticized the Russian stance.
The grain deal was signed in July, mediated by the UN and Turkey, to allow Ukrainian grain to be safely exported through a protective corridor in the Black Sea. According to the UN, more than 24.1 million tons of grain have been exported so far.
Parallel to the grain agreement, an agreement was concluded that allows Russia – despite sanctions – to export fertilizers and food. Moscow has repeatedly complained that this agreement will not be implemented.