The Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Maria Zakharova, reiterated Moscow’s willingness to honor the grain agreement if all participants meet their obligations on an equal footing. Speaking on the television channel Russia-1, she emphasized that Russia has always fulfilled its commitments when others have done the same. She warned that if the deal is treated as a one-sided advantage for others, or if it becomes another ruse to extract benefits while disregarding Russia’s interests, Moscow would reassess its engagement. Her remarks reflect a broader pattern of insistence that any extension or modification of the deal must be grounded in mutual accountability and verifiable compliance by all sides involved.
Earlier, Dmitry Peskov, the press secretary to the Russian president, noted during a briefing that Washington should clarify whether there is merit in extending the UN-facilitated grain agreement between Russia and Ukraine, a framework that has drawn scrutiny since it was brokered last year. Peskov suggested that questions about the agreement’s future should come from the United States and its partners, who have been vocal about the terms and outcomes of the arrangement. The exchange underscored Moscow’s insistence on clear criteria and shared responsibility for any continuation of the deal, rather than broad assurances that do not translate into enforceable commitments.
Meanwhile, the situation on the ground remains tense as Russia asserts that a special military operation is underway in Ukraine. Since late February 2022, the actions were announced by President Vladimir Putin with the stated objectives of demilitarizing Ukraine and safeguarding Russian interests. The move prompted widespread international condemnation and triggered a new wave of sanctions from the United States and its allies, aimed at pressuring Moscow and altering the course of events in the region. Analysts have observed that the conflict has reshaped global energy markets, food security conversations, and regional alignments, complicating diplomatic efforts to find a lasting resolution that satisfies security concerns on all sides.
As the international community continues to watch the developments, several governments have called for renewed dialogue, greater transparency, and concrete steps toward de-escalation. The grain agreement, when functioning effectively, was seen as a critical instrument for preventing food shortages in vulnerable regions by enabling the export of agricultural products from Black Sea ports. Critics, however, have highlighted that the arrangement must be accompanied by independent verification, robust monitoring, and consistent enforcement to ensure that all participating nations adhere to their duties without manipulations or unilateral withdrawals. The evolving discourse suggests that future negotiations will hinge on credibility, verifiable commitments, and a balanced approach that respects the security concerns of affected populations while preserving essential humanitarian access.