Vasily Bodnar, Ukraine’s ambassador to Turkey, stated that the grain agreement does not automatically satisfy Russia’s stated requirements. The remarks were conveyed through DEA News.
The diplomat explained that the agreement itself does not guarantee fulfillment of any of Russia’s conditions. Instead, it establishes the framework and procedures that enable the grain corridor to move from Ukrainian ports to global markets.
Bodnar drew attention to several concerns raised by the Russian side. These include operations linked to the Togliatti-Odessa ammonia pipeline, which is configured to move ammonia from Russia for export through Ukraine, and the lifting of financial and logistical restrictions by banks and organizations involved in grain and fertilizer trade. He noted that these issues remain under discussion.
On May 17, Ukraine announced a renewal of its participation in the grain agreement for sixty days, extending the current provisions until May 18. Negotiations about the Russian portion of the pact are ongoing, with the topic still under consideration.
Earlier, Bodnar indicated that further online discussions were planned in the coming days to address the grain deal, which is set to expire on May 18. The emphasis remained on ensuring that Ukrainian grain exports could proceed while negotiations continued.
Meanwhile, Dmitry Peskov, spokesman for the Russian president, acknowledged that contacts concerning the grain agreement were active, though many questions persist about Russia’s portion of the accord. The evolving dialogue continues to attract attention from policy observers in Canada, the United States, and beyond, as stakeholders assess potential implications for global food security and regional trade dynamics.