Guterres will visit Kyiv to discuss the extension of the grain deal

UN Secretary General António Guterres will arrive in Kyiv on March 8, where he will discuss with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky the extension of the grain deal. This was announced by the official representative of the UN Secretary-General Stephane Dujarric.

“On Wednesday morning, he will meet in Kyiv with President Volodymyr Zelensky to discuss the extension of the grain deal in all aspects of this topic, as well as other related issues,” said Dujarric (quote according to TASS).

Now Guterres is in Poland, from there he will arrive in Kyiv, and after the trip he will return to New York on March 9, the UN specified.

Earlier today, Reuters, citing an official in the Ukrainian government reported on the start of negotiations on a grain deal between Kiev and the UN. The discussion takes place online. The source noted that Ukraine does not negotiate directly with Russia. Kiev proceeds from the fact that Ukraine’s partners are discussing this issue with Moscow, the source said.

The grain deal expires March 18. In February, Kiev announced plans to extend the initiative for a year and include the export of grain from the ports of Nikolaev. Later at the State Department urged Russia “to do the right thing” – to extend and expand the agreement on the export of Ukrainian grain. The UN also urged extend the deal “at any cost”.

In early March, the Russian Foreign Ministry accused The West is sabotaging the deal. The department pointed to the refusal to lift restrictions on the supply of Russian fertilizers and agricultural products. Then the official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry Maria Zakharova statedthat Russia is ready to continue to participate in the grain deal, subject to equality.