Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko told reporters that the grain agreement has been extended for 60 days. The move came after a statement from the deputy minister who helped spearhead the agreement, noting that the decision to extend it for another two months had been reached. Grushko stressed that the package’s purpose remains unchanged and that the extension is framed as a goodwill gesture.
He indicated that Moscow would try to meet the commitments tied to lifting sanctions on Russian agricultural shipments to global markets. The focus would be on increasing access for Russian vessels to foreign ports, ensuring insurance, and addressing challenges in the production chain within Russia, including technology, spare parts, and various farming equipment.
Grushko noted that the process to remove export restrictions on Russian goods continues, albeit slowly. He pointed out that fertilizers from Russia are present in many ports and that Russia stands ready to supply the poorest countries. He described ongoing artificial barriers and delays, urging a more expedient approach.
He added that the UN process is advancing very slowly and has not satisfied Russia either in terms of results or in fulfilling all obligations tied to the Istanbul package. At a briefing, the Russian president’s press secretary called the extension a goodwill gesture from Moscow. The period was shortened from 120 days to 60 days, with the second portion of the deal on lifting sanctions still incomplete.
He argued that while the UN’s efforts are visible, they have not broken through the barriers that hinder progress. Overall, the extension is presented as a gesture of goodwill, with Moscow hopeful that all parties will eventually meet their obligations and that restrictions on Russian agricultural products and fertilizers will be lifted as talks continue.
Moscow also signaled its wish for broader relief from export limits in global markets, with ongoing diplomacy aimed at moving forward on this issue.
Reaction to the extension of the agreement
The signing of the framework that allows Ukrainian grain exports and Russian agricultural shipments took place in Istanbul in July 2022, with Russia, Turkey, Ukraine and the United Nations later adding their signatures. The arrangement had the UN participating in lifting export restrictions on Russian agricultural products and fertilizers, while guaranteeing the export of Ukrainian crops from ports controlled by Kyiv in Odessa, Chernomorsk and Yuzhny. Ukraine pledged to ensure security and demining in its territorial waters. The initial term was 120 days and was extended for another three months on the same basis.
A four-way coordination center created by Russia, Turkey, Ukraine and the UN was placed in Istanbul to inspect grain ships and prevent arms smuggling and provocations. Ukraine’s Infrastructure Minister Oleksandr Kubrakov criticized the extension to 60 days, arguing that the Black Sea Initiative anticipates a longer extension of no less than 120 days.
Officials in Kyiv awaited reactions from Ankara and the UN. The United Nations acknowledged Moscow’s 60-day extension statement, while Turkey’s defense ministry praised the parties’ steps to widen the initiative. A Turkish official noted that Ankara would continue to engage with relevant authorities to maintain the grain initiative and its wider humanitarian impact, emphasizing the importance of ongoing cooperation to keep the project functioning.
The Turkish defense ministry highlighted the enduring importance of the agreement for peace and humanitarian aid and affirmed Turkey’s commitment to supporting its continuation.