The Foreign Ministry gave a forecast for the extension of the grain deal

If the part of the grain deal related to the export of Russian grain and fertilizers is not fulfilled, the forecast for its extension will be pessimistic. This statement was made by the official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry Maria Zakharova. The broadcast was conducted in the community of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in VKontakte.

“If it continues to peak indefinitely in terms of not fulfilling the second part of the deal, then the forecast is pessimistic,” she said.

Zakharova noted that, subject to the implementation of both directions of the grain deal, “the forecast is optimistic.” The diplomat clarified that on March 13, negotiations will be held in Geneva to extend the agreement between representatives of the Russian Federation and the UN.

The day before, on March 8, UN Secretary General António Guterres arrived in Kyiv, where he discussed with the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky the continuation of the implementation of the terms of the deal. During the meeting, Guterres urged extend the grain deal.

On March 7, Reuters, citing an official in the Ukrainian government, announced the start of negotiations on a grain deal between Kiev and the UN. 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 agreement expires March 18. Earlier in Kyiv, they announced that they plan to extend the deal for a year and include the ports of Nikolaev in it. Later, the State Department and the UN called for continuing to implement the agreement. At the Russian Foreign Ministry notedthat Moscow is ready to continue to participate in the grain deal, subject to equality.

On July 22, 2022, representatives of Turkey and the UN signed separate agreements with representatives of Russia and Ukraine on the export of Ukrainian grain from three ports, including Odessa, as well as on assistance in the export of Russian grain and fertilizers. The deal was calculated until November 18 with a subsequent extension for 120 days.

The Russian authorities have repeatedly accused the West of non-compliance with the second part of the agreement, which concerns the memorandum between Russia and the UN. The UN continues to claim that it is working to remove restrictions that hinder the export of Russian grain and fertilizers.