Russia Blocks Revival of Black Sea Grain Deal
Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko stated that there are no grounds for resuming the Black Sea grain deal, despite Turkey and the United Nations' efforts to mediate a new plan. The original agreement was reached in July 2022 to allow the safe export of nearly 33 million metric tons of Ukrainian grain via the Black Sea.
Grushko mentioned that a significant portion of the deal was not implemented, and he questioned whether there has been a change in the West's position on the matter. The deal was suspended in 2023 due to Russia's concerns over its own food and fertilizer exports being hindered.
Both Russia and Ukraine are major grain exporters, and their ongoing conflict has led to increased global wheat prices. Recent attacks by Russia have damaged Ukrainian grain export facilities along the Black Sea and Danube River.