The agreement on the export of Ukrainian grain was recently extended for 60 days – now Russia is again threatening to terminate it.
As a condition for a long-term continuation, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Moscow once again mentioned the easing of Russian fertilizer exports and the resumption of deliveries of technology and spare parts in the agricultural sector. “Without progress in meeting these requirements … our participation in the Black Sea Initiative will be suspended,” he said.
The agreement on the Black Sea Grains Initiative came about in July 2022, mediated by the United Nations and Turkey. Among other things, it provides for the liberation of Ukrainian ports and a corridor on the Black Sea for the export of grain.
Russia blocked Ukrainian grain exports for months after the start of its war of aggression on February 24, 2022. According to UN data, 25 million tons of grain have been exported to 45 countries since the start of the agreement. The agreement therefore helped stabilize markets and lower food prices. The deal was extended by at least two months last weekend.