Russian President Vladimir Putin indicated that Moscow could rejoin the grain agreement within a few days once every provision necessary to terminate and then reestablish the deal is signed and fully implemented, as reported by TASS. He stressed a principled stance: Russia stands ready to consider reviving the grain initiative and would move quickly once the related agreements are formally signed. He noted that Russian agricultural exports had proceeded under the current framework, suggesting an orderly transition rather than an abrupt halt.
During a press conference following talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Putin reiterated that Western actions were hindering Russia’s demands tied to the grain deal, including routes for grain exports. He argued that the deal’s termination did not destabilize global food markets and that prices continued to decline, underscoring his view that market dynamics were not solely dependent on the agreement in question.
The December discussions between Putin and Erdogan, held in Sochi on September 4, brought Ukraine and the prospects for resuming the grain agreement into focus. Putin stated that Moscow was prepared to reenter the food initiative debate and expressed optimism about a swift agreement on a gas hub project, signaling broader regional energy and food security considerations.
Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov described the Putin-Erdogan talks in Sochi as constructive, noting tone and practical outcomes that aligned with Russia’s stated positions on the grain framework and related energy issues.
In the lead-up to these discussions, the bilateral session touched on the potential for reinstating the grain arrangement, along with the implications for markets and humanitarian shipments. The conversations reflected a view that cooperation between Moscow and Ankara remains a stabilizing factor for regional trade and supply chains.
The exchange also touched on broader regional dynamics, including the influence of Western policy on agricultural exports and the strategic importance of ensuring food security for various populations. Moscow’s stance emphasizes the importance of immediate, transparent steps to secure reliable grain routes while balancing wider economic and political objectives. Overall, the dialogue in Sochi highlighted a willingness to bridge differences and pursue a path toward renewed understanding of the grain framework and its intersections with energy infrastructure and regional diplomacy.
Observers note that any reactivation would hinge on formal agreements, domestic approvals, and international acknowledgment of the terms involved. The discussions in Sochi illustrate an ongoing effort to align Russia’s commercial interests with broader geopolitical considerations, with implications for global markets and regional stability. As events unfold, market participants and policymakers will be watching closely for concrete timelines and the precise conditions that could enable a restart of the grain initiative, alongside demonstrations of commitments on export routes and price governance.