Ambassador to Turkey announced that Russia is considering alternatives to a grain deal

Russia is actively exploring alternatives to the Black Sea Initiative. Russian Ambassador to Turkey Alexei Yerkhov said this in an interview with the Turkish agency IHA.

The Black Sea Initiative is not the only way to meet the food needs of African countries and other countries, there are alternatives to it, and they are being actively explored in contacts with our partners,” told he (quoted by the Star newspaper).

Russia is ready to supply free grain to African countries, as well as mineral fertilizers to the poorest countries, Yegorov said. He noted that out of 262,000 tons of fertilizer blocked in European ports, only 54,000 tons have so far been sent to Africa. used for commercial purposes.

Moscow, he said, is always ready for dialogue with Turkish partners on the issue of a grain deal.

The grain deal was concluded on July 22, 2022 by representatives of Turkey and the UN, on the one hand, and representatives of Russia and Ukraine, on the other. As part of the negotiations, two agreements were signed between Moscow and Kiev. The first is for the export of Ukrainian grain from three ports, including Odessa, Yuzhny and Chornomorsk, the second is for assistance in the export of Russian grain and fertilizers. On July 17, 2023, Russia withdrew from the Black Sea Initiative. At the same time, Russian President Vladimir Putin noted that the deal could be resumed if Russia’s requirements were met.

August 15 The Wall Street Journal (WSJ), citing sources informedthat the United States is negotiating with Turkey, Ukraine and neighboring countries to create alternative routes for the export of Ukrainian grain. The plan provides for an increase in exports to 4 million tons of grain per month by October. According to the WSJ, the products will be sent along the Danube River and across the Black Sea to the nearest ports in Romania, and then to other destinations. The sources noted that along with the development of alternative routes, Turkey and the UN are making efforts to return Russia to the implementation of the deal.