Moscow - Saba:
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Vershinin said on Monday that there is no reason to discuss the export of Russian agricultural products and fertilizers in negotiations with Ukraine.
Commenting on the possibility of discussing the export of Russian agricultural products in negotiations with Ukraine, Vershinin told the Russian news agency RIA Novosti: "I see no reason to discuss this issue in the Russian-Ukrainian negotiations. At least not today. As I have previously stated, Russia has been and will remain a reliable supplier of food commodities and fertilizers to the global market. In this regard, we do not need anyone's approval, especially from the Ukrainians."
It is worth noting that this statement comes as the memorandum between Russia and the United Nations to facilitate the export of Russian agricultural products and fertilizers approaches its expiration date, on July 22nd. This memorandum was signed in conjunction with the Ukrainian "grain deal".
Russia and Ukraine held two rounds of direct negotiations in Istanbul earlier this year, during which they agreed on a prisoner exchange. Moscow also handed over the bodies of slain soldiers to the Kyiv regime. In addition, the two sides exchanged draft memoranda to resolve the conflict. A Turkish diplomatic source previously reported that Ankara was awaiting a decision by Russia and Ukraine regarding the date of the third round of negotiations in Istanbul.
The Black Sea Grain Initiative, concluded on July 22nd, 2022, by representatives of Russia, Turkey, Ukraine, and the United Nations, stipulates the export of Ukrainian grain, food products, and fertilizers via the Black Sea from three ports, including Odessa. The initiative was part of a larger agreement, the second part of which was a three-year memorandum between Russia and the United Nations. This included commitments to remove obstacles to the export of Russian food products and fertilizers, reconnect Rosselkhozbank to the SWIFT system, resume the supply of agricultural equipment, spare parts, and maintenance services, and restart the Tolyatti-Odessa ammonia pipeline, among other measures.
Russia withdrew from the initiative in July 2023. Russian authorities repeatedly pointed out that the Kyiv regime exploited the deal to carry out attacks and provocations against Russian ships and coastal infrastructure under the guise of a humanitarian corridor. Promises to facilitate access for Russian agricultural products and fertilizers to global markets have also not been fulfilled.
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