Ushakov assessed the likelihood of Russia withdrawing from the grain deal earlier than July 17

Moscow does not intend to withdraw from the grain deal before its completion. This was announced by Assistant to the President of the Russian Federation Yuri Ushakov during the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF).

“Probably not before.” answered Ushakov to a question about a possible early withdrawal of Russia from the deal (quote from RIA Novosti).

Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov at the forum also answered to the question about the prospects for extending the Black Sea initiative: “How can something that doesn’t work be extended?”

On June 13, during a meeting with military commanders, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that the Kremlin was considering the option of withdrawing from the grain deal. Journalists have previously clarified with Peskov whether we are talking about early exit or at the end of the deadline. “At the end,” he said.

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 signed with Moscow and Kiev: the first one was for the export of Ukrainian grain from three ports, including Odessa, Yuzhny and Chernomorsk, the second one was to help facilitate the export of Russian grain and fertilizers under international sanctions in connection with the special operation. Moscow has repeatedly pointed out that the second part of the deal is not being implemented. The last time the deal was extended until July 17.