Stéphane Dujarric, the spokesperson for the United Nations Secretary-General, outlined ongoing efforts by the UN to address issues surrounding Russian food and fertilizer exports. He stressed that the organization remains active across multiple fronts to support relief efforts and keep supply lines open for those most in need. The UN’s work is aimed at maintaining a steady flow of essential commodities to vulnerable populations amid a complex geopolitical landscape.
In response to questions about the grain deal, Dujarric indicated that alternatives would need to be explored if the reactivation of the Russian Ziraat Bank within the SWIFT system does not occur. This possibility would necessitate adjustments in how the agreement operates to ensure continued deliveries. The spokesman highlighted that ensuring food and fertilizer reach destinations in distress is a central priority for the UN as it navigates these challenges.
Additionally, the UN Secretary-General’s Office noted that the organization is collaborating with the African Export-Import Bank to establish a platform that could facilitate transactions between Russian exporters of food and fertilizer and buyers across Africa. The idea is to enable safer, more efficient trade channels that help maintain the Russian segment of the grain deal while avoiding unnecessary disruption. The UN stressed that including sanctioned and non-sanctioned Russian banks in this platform is a critical element of the process, but the decision on this inclusion does not rest with the UN alone. The responsibility to determine the appropriate financial participants lies with the appropriate authorities and international partners involved in operationalizing the agreement.
Among the considerations surrounding the grain deal is the potential impact if SWIFT affiliation for Rosselkhozbank is not restored. There is a concern that the terms of the agreement could face expiration by mid-July if essential banking connections are not maintained. In such a scenario, the UN would likely engage with member states and financial institutions to assess feasible pathways that could sustain essential exports while protecting the broader market from volatility. The emphasis remains on preserving humanitarian delivery and stabilizing food and fertilizer access for those most affected by recent disruptions.
Observers note that the situation underscores the interconnectedness of global food security, financial networks, and geopolitical tensions. The UN’s approach combines diplomatic outreach, coordination with regional financial institutions, and practical mechanisms designed to keep critical trade lines open. Stakeholders in Canada, the United States, and other partner countries watch closely as the organization seeks to balance complex sanctions regimes with the urgent needs of vulnerable communities. All sides acknowledge that while the UN cannot dictate every financial decision, its persistence in seeking practical solutions helps shape conversations, risk assessments, and potential compromises essential for humanitarian relief and market stability.
Given the breadth of the challenge, the UN continues to advocate for transparent processes, clear timelines, and measurable progress toward maintaining the flow of grain, fertilizer, and related products. The organization emphasizes that any agreements or platforms pursued must be anchored in practical risk management, independent oversight, and strong cooperation with international financial partners. The ultimate aim is to safeguard human security by ensuring that food and essential inputs reach the people who depend on them, even when political and monetary hurdles complicate the path forward.