Zakharova: grain deal without Russia’s participation is impossible

There can be no grain deal without Russia’s participation, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told reporters.

On briefing Zakharova was asked to comment on publications in the Turkish media about the extension of the Black Sea initiative without Russia.

“What does it mean if the grain agreement can work without Russia? Do you know how the G8 will be the G8 without Russia? No, the G8 will be the G7… If we are talking about an agreement in which Russia participates, then it cannot work without Russia, it is physically impossible. If we are talking about some other agreements in which Russia does not participate, then it is necessary to write like that, ”she said.

Russia withdrew from the grain deal because its interests were not respected by the parties, Zakharova stressed. It is possible to talk about the resumption of the deal only after the implementation of all the provisions of the agreement in full, Zakharova stressed. At the same time, she added that the situation around the deal will be discussed at the talks between Russian and Turkish Foreign Ministers Sergey Lavrov and Hakan Fidan in Moscow, she added.

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. 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. Moscow has repeatedly stated that the second part of the deal is not being implemented.

On July 17, Russia left the Black Sea Initiative, which was signed on July 22, 2022 by representatives of Turkey, the UN, Russia and Ukraine. The Kremlin explained this by the failure to fulfill the second part of the agreement, which concerns, among other things, the lifting of restrictions on the supply of Russian products.

On July 19, the Russian Ministry of Defense declared all ships going to Ukrainian ports as potential military targets. This decision was made in connection with the termination of the “Black Sea Initiative” and the curtailment of the maritime humanitarian corridor.

Presidents of Russia and Turkey Vladimir Putin and Recep Tayyip Erdogan agreed during a telephone conversation on August 2 to meet. According to media reports, it will take place next week, before the G20 summit in Delhi on September 9-10. The ruling Turkish Justice and Development Party previously said that the meeting of the two presidents would take place in Sochi.