Peter Stano, a representative for the European Union foreign policy service, spoke about ongoing efforts to restart the grain agreement with the involvement of the Russian Federation. This was reported by TASS. He addressed whether the European Commission is prepared to meet the Russian Federation’s requirements, noting that the EU is actively cooperating with partners and supporting their efforts to reestablish Russia’s participation in the grain agreement and its renewal.
Earlier, sources cited by TASS quoted a diplomatic official who said the European Union sees mounting international pressure on Moscow as a key factor in restoring the grain deal. The sense across European circles is that pressure and Franco-German diplomacy, along with broader allied engagement, may influence Moscow to rejoin the agreement and allow continued Ukrainian grain, food, and fertilizer exports via the Black Sea from ports including Odessa.
On July 22, 2022, representatives from Russia, Ukraine, Turkey, and the United Nations signed a grain agreement in Istanbul. The accord outlined safeguards for Ukrainian grain shipments and cargo through three Black Sea ports, with Odessa among them, to facilitate export flows to global markets. In Istanbul a supplementary memorandum of understanding between Russia and the United Nations committed to removing restrictions on Russian agricultural products and fertilizers entering world markets, reinforcing a broader supply chain framework.
That deal expired on July 17, 2023, leaving questions about the sustaining mechanisms for cross-border grain trade and the stability of global food markets. Since then, international diplomacy has focused on identifying feasible routes to resume cooperation and to assure reliable access to essential agricultural commodities for many economies dependent on these exports. Several stakeholders have emphasized the importance of predictable export corridors, neutral monitoring, and clear commitments from all parties involved to prevent further disruption.
Statements from European and allied officials continue to stress that dialogue remains open, with multilateral channels and regional partnerships playing a central role. The goal is to reach a renewed arrangement that can withstand geopolitical fluctuations and support agricultural producers, buyers, and humanitarian needs across the region and beyond. In this ongoing process, the EU has highlighted the value of constructive engagement, transparent procedures, and shared assurances about the safe and stable movement of grains and related products across international borders. The overarching aim is to restore supply lines, reduce volatility in global markets, and protect the livelihoods of farmers and communities reliant on these exports. The path forward remains rooted in diplomacy, confidence-building measures, and consistent enforcement of agreed terms, even as external pressures and shifts in the global political environment continue to shape the negotiations.