In an article published on the Kremlin’s website, the Russian President assures that Moscow can continue to supply grain to African countries suffering the consequences of the expiry of the grain agreement that came into force in 2022.
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday guaranteed Moscow would substitute Ukrainian grain for Africa after the Kremlin abandoned a key grain deal to feed the world and a Russia-Africa summit loomed.
“I want to assure that our country is able to replace Ukrainian grain commercially and free of charge, especially as we expect another bumper harvest this year,” wrote the head of state in an article published on the Kremlin’s website entitled “Russia and Africa: United Efforts for Peace, Progress and a Prosperous Future.”
“Russia will continue energetic efforts to ensure the distribution of grain, food, fertilizers and other goods to Africa (…), the network of Russian embassies and trade missions in Africa will be expanded,” Vladimir Putin added as a Russia-Africa summit is scheduled to open in the Russian city of St. Petersburg on Thursday.
The African Union ‘regrets’ Russia’s withdrawal from the grain deal
The grain deal signed in Istanbul in July 2022 and twice renewed, which allowed Ukraine to resume agricultural exports by sea despite the Russian offensive, expired last week.
In one year, almost 33 million tons of grain, mainly corn and wheat, were able to leave Ukrainian ports, which helped stabilize global food prices and averted the risk of shortages.
Moscow refused to extend it, complaining of insufficient grain supplies to poor countries and hindrances to its own exports of agricultural products and fertilizers.
On Tuesday, the African Union “regretted” Russia’s withdrawal from the deal. “I call on stakeholders to resolve the issues to enable the resumption of safe transportation of grain and fertilizers from Ukraine and Russia to regions in need, including Africa,” said AU Commission Chair Moussa Faki Mahamat.
Moscow said on Friday it understood “the concerns” of African countries and promised to keep delivering to countries in need. Russia also said last week that it would carry ships bound for Ukraine in the Black Sea as potentially military cargo.