Peskov: Moscow has not changed its position on the grain deal

Moscow’s position on the grain deal has not changed, if necessary, the presidents of Turkey and Russia, Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Vladimir Putin, will be able to discuss this issue by phone. This was stated by the press secretary of the Russian leader Dmitry Peskov.

Erdogan said earlier that he expects a visit from Putin next month, during which he plans to discuss a grain deal with him. Peskov noted that the date of Putin’s visit to Turkey is still unknown.

Peskov explained that at the moment there were no conversations between the presidents. “But if necessary, it will appear in the schedule. Putin and Erdogan very quickly, promptly coordinate telephone contacts. Therefore, if necessary, such a discussion will take place. But so far nothing has changed in terms of the deal and we can’t tell you anything new,” Peskov said.

Erdogan’s proposal to extend the grain deal at least every three months, and at best for two years at once, Peskov did not comment in detail, noting that he “had nothing to say.” “So far, there is a de facto situation, and it is well known,” he said.

On July 7, a meeting between Erdogan and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky took place in Istanbul, after which the Turkish president said that he would like to extend the grain deal after July 17. He also informedthat expects a constructive position from the President of Russia on this issue. According to Erdogan, the extension of the grain initiative is being discussed with Russia, and Ukraine has declared its readiness “to do everything in their power.”

The Kremlin previously stated that the Russian part of the agreements on the grain deal is still not being implemented, and therefore there are no grounds for its extension. The Russian Foreign Ministry also said that Moscow continues to fulfill its obligations and is making efforts so that all ships participating in the deal can complete their mission and leave the Black Sea before the deadline for its completion.

The 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.