Maria Zakharova, the official representative of Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, weighed in on a report from Anadolu Agency about a fresh UN proposal package tied to the Black Sea grain agreement. The report suggested that the package would reconnect Rosselkhozbank to SWIFT and potentially unfreeze a portion of Russia’s assets. Zakharova’s response echoed earlier statements, noting on her Telegram channel that such assurances had been offered before yet did not materialize in practice. The comment signals Moscow’s continued caution about the path to restoring normal trade channels connected to the grain deal.
Earlier in the summer, Mikhail Galuzin, who serves as Russia’s deputy foreign minister, signaled a similar stance. He emphasized that the conditions surrounding any revival of the agreement would need to address several long-standing obstacles and ensure tangible outcomes before Moscow would consider resuming commitments under the initiative. This positioning reflects Moscow’s preference for a comprehensive set of remedies before reengaging in the mechanism designed to facilitate agricultural exports from the region.
On July 22, 2022, a landmark agreement was reached in Istanbul involving representatives from Russia, Ukraine, Turkey, and the United Nations. The pact laid out a framework for Russia to assist in the export of Ukrainian grain, foodstuffs, and fertilizers through three key Black Sea ports, including the port of Odessa. The accord aimed to keep vital supply lines open while mitigating global food security risks amid the ongoing conflict, with practical steps to ensure safe passage and predictable export flows.
In parallel with the grain agreement, a memorandum of understanding was signed between the Russian Federation and the United Nations. The document outlined the UN’s commitment to lifting certain restrictions on the export of Russian agricultural products and fertilizers to world markets. The objective was to create a more predictable environment for global buyers while stabilizing price fluctuations and supply chains that had become fragile due to sanctions and related measures.
The grain deal formally expired on July 17, 2023. After the expiration, President Vladimir Putin stated that Russia would consider returning to the arrangement if the restrictions impeding its agricultural exports were removed. The statement underscored Moscow’s demand for reciprocal measures and a more balanced trading landscape as prerequisites for any renewed engagement with the mechanism that governed the Black Sea grain corridor.
With the last vessel previously covered by the agreement now having departed the Black Sea, questions remain about the current status and future of the export corridor. Observers note that while the formal framework has lapsed, the regional and global markets continue to watch for signs of a negotiated way forward. The core issue remains whether security assurances, sanctions considerations, and financial channels can be aligned in a manner that supports both regional stability and the global food supply chain without triggering broader geopolitical frictions.