The possibility of reviving the grain corridor depends on Russia’s ability to satisfy a set of conditions. In an interview with TASS, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin outlined the steps Moscow believes must be completed before any return to the Black Sea initiative can be considered.
Galuzin stated that the priority is to resolve systemic issues first. These include reconnecting Rosselkhozbank to the SWIFT financial messaging system, ensuring a steady flow of spare parts, and establishing reliable transport logistics and insurance arrangements. Only after these prerequisites are firmly in place, he suggested, could discussions about restoring the grain export mechanism proceed.
Beyond these operational concerns, Galuzin emphasized a second condition tied to the humanitarian aims of the agreement. He underscored the need for full compliance with the humanitarian commitments that were part of the initial terms, signaling that guarantees for safe and efficient grain deliveries to those in need remain a non-negotiable element of any potential revival.
Meanwhile, developments in Ankara suggest that Russia has not been entirely removed from the negotiations. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan indicated that Moscow is prepared to rejoin the grain deal, provided there is a clear fulfillment of obligations by Western partners. Erdogan framed this as part of a broader effort to sustain the agreement, which would involve ongoing coordination with international stakeholders.
In remarks at a gathering in Ankara with participants of Turkey’s annual ambassadorial conference abroad, Erdogan reiterated his government’s intent to keep channels open and to push for continued engagement on the grain corridor. The statement reflected Turkey’s ongoing role as a facilitator in the talks, balancing Ankara’s regional interests with the broader objective of stabilizing grain supply routes.
Earlier, there were signals from Washington about the terms governing the agreement. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken confirmed that the United States would welcome questions from Russia about the framework of the grain deal, provided they are posed within a constructive policy dialogue. However, Moscow has not publicly responded with a detailed reply to those inquiries, keeping the exact stance on the terms somewhat opaque for the moment.
Recent operations suggest limited movement in the Black Sea, with the last ship previously covered by the grain agreement having completed its passage. That development underscores the fragility of the framework and highlights the urgency of addressing the technical and political obstacles that have impeded its function since the pause in the talks.
Analysts note that any restart will require an intersection of security assurances, logistical reliability, and credible humanitarian delivery. Restoring the scheme would likely demand new guarantees from all parties involved, including assurances that inspections, safety protocols, and insurance mechanisms will be consistently applied. The reconstruction of trust among exporting and import nations could also hinge on transparent reporting and independent verification of grain flows, ensuring that supplies reach intended recipients without diversion or delay.
Observers caution that while there is potential momentum, the path forward remains narrow. The Russian stance, anchored in the demand for systemic fixes, frames a pragmatic approach: demonstrate capability to meet practical needs on the ground, then consider broader political normalization tied to the grain corridor. For the international community, the central question is whether enough credible steps can be taken soon to renew shipments in a predictable, secure manner that benefits vulnerable populations as originally intended.
Public statements from Ankara and Washington illustrate a shared, albeit cautious, interest in preserving a functional mechanism for grain exports. The outcome of this diplomatic permutation will likely influence regional stability and food security beyond the immediate stakeholders, affecting markets, humanitarian corridors, and the broader geopolitical balance in the coming weeks and months.