Larov: Russia went on a “small aggravation”, extending the grain deal for 60 days

Russia went on a “small escalation” by offering to extend the grain deal for only 60 days. The decision on its further action will depend on the fulfillment of the conditions for the export of Russian fertilizers and grain. This statement was made by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov at a press conference following talks with Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu.

“Tired of appealing to the conscience of those on whom it depends, we went to a slight aggravation and proposed to extend this deal for only 60 days, based on the fact that if there is no further progress in removing obstacles to the export of Russian fertilizers and grain, Well, then we will think about whether this deal is necessary, ” said Russian minister.

Lavrov added that if the terms of the deal relating to the export of Russian products are not fulfilled, “let them continue to ship the relevant products from Ukraine by land, by land, by rail, by rivers.” According to him, then Russia will work outside of this initiative, including with Turkey and Qatar.

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. Separate agreements were concluded with Moscow and Kiev: the first was for the export of Ukrainian grain from three ports, including Odessa, Yuzhny and Chernomorsk, and the second was for assistance in the export of Russian grain and fertilizers. Moscow has repeatedly noted that the second part of the deal is not being implemented.

14 March Deputy Foreign Minister of Russia Alexander Grushko informed on the extension of the grain deal for 60 days and on confirmation of its package nature. He clarified that negotiations are ongoing, Russia will persistently strive to ensure that all obligations are fulfilled. In particular, we are talking about the lifting of all sanctions for the supply of Russian agricultural products to international global markets.

In early April, Vasily Nebenzya, Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation to the UN informedthat, as part of the grain deal, Russia was never able to export “a single grain.”

Press Secretary of the President of Russia Dmitry Peskov explained extension of the grain deal for 60 days as a “goodwill gesture” in the hope that the terms of the second part of the deal, related to the export of Russian fertilizers, will be fulfilled.