Russia Blocks Grain Deal Revival Over Sanctions

Russia has indicated that it will not revive the Black Sea grain deal unless Western countries ease sanctions on Russian agricultural exports, Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko stated.

The original agreement was brokered by the UN and Turkey to safely export Ukrainian grain through Black Sea ports until Russia withdrew from the pact in July 2023.

Grushko maintained that Moscow backed out of the deal because Western promises to allow Russian food, fertilizer, and financial payments into global markets were never fulfilled.