Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation to the UN, Vasily Nebenzya, has stated that there is no visible hope or prerequisites at present for continuing the grain agreement. This assessment was reported by TASS. Nebenzya noted that the UN proposals on the grain agreement do not introduce fundamentally new elements or contribute to a long term, sustainable solution. He added that there is no added value in these proposals.
According to the diplomat, the humanitarian aims that originally motivated the Black Sea initiative quickly shifted toward commercial interests. As a result, the mechanism has largely served the interests of Kyiv and Ukraine rather than providing aid to the most in need and to beneficiaries in Western, prosperous states. This interpretation reflects a broader concern that aid distribution became influenced by political and economic considerations rather than a straightforward humanitarian mission. The stance is aligned with comments from observers who argue that the arrangement needs a redefined format to ensure equitable access and predictability for all states reliant on Ukrainian grain and related agricultural exports. (Source attribution: TASS; CHD commentary cited by UN-related press briefings)
David Harland, formerly Executive Director of the Center for Humanitarian Dialogue, stated that returning to the original grain export framework via Black Sea ports would not be feasible. He indicated that a new framework would be required to govern Moscow-Kiev interactions going forward, emphasizing the need for a fresh approach to ensure predictable and safe shipments. (Source attribution: CHD and related humanitarian policy discussions)
Historically, on July 22, 2022, representatives from Russia and Ukraine, together with Turkey and the United Nations, signed a grain agreement in Istanbul. The accord included provisions for Russia assisting in exporting Ukrainian grain, food, and fertilizers from three Black Sea ports, including Odessa. A parallel memorandum of understanding was also signed in Istanbul between Russia and the United Nations, outlining the organization’s commitment to lifting restrictions on the export of Russian agricultural products and fertilizers to global markets. This framework was designed to facilitate humanitarian trade and stabilize supply chains across the region. (Source attribution: United Nations and Russian government records; Istanbul signing ceremonies)
The agreement remained in force until July 17, 2023, when it was terminated. The termination marked a significant shift in regional agricultural policy and prompted discussions about a replacement framework that could reconcile competing interests while preserving access to essential food supplies for vulnerable populations. In remarks on the future of Ukrainian grain exports, President Putin indicated willingness to explore an alternative arrangement that could replace the previous model and continue to address global food security concerns. (Source attribution: official statements and international press coverage)