Kremlin says key parts of Black Sea grain deal were never fulfilled

The Kremlin has stated that crucial aspects of the original Black Sea grain deal were never implemented, as Russia and the United States prepare to discuss resuming an agreement to ensure safe merchant shipping in the region.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed on Monday that the “Black Sea Initiative,” commonly known as the grain deal, was on the agenda during talks between Russian and U.S. officials in Saudi Arabia.

According to Peskov, U.S. President Donald Trump proposed discussing the deal, and Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed.

“This is primarily about the safety of navigation,” Peskov said, emphasizing that Russia’s concerns about unfulfilled obligations under the previous deal would be addressed in the discussions.

The Black Sea Grain Initiative, brokered by Turkey and the United Nations in July 2022, facilitated the safe export of nearly 33 million metric tons of Ukrainian grain despite the ongoing war. However, Russia withdrew from the agreement in 2023, citing obstacles to its own food and fertilizer exports.

Although Russian agricultural exports are not directly subject to Western sanctions, Moscow argues that restrictions on payments, logistics, and insurance create barriers.

Russia has also demanded the resumption of ammonia exports and the reconnection of its state agricultural bank, Rosselkhozbank, to the SWIFT international payments system.

The talks in Saudi Arabia come as broader negotiations between Russia and the United States continue, with both sides acknowledging a common understanding of the need for a settlement to end the war in Ukraine. However, Peskov noted that several critical aspects still need to be resolved.

Credit: Reuters