There are currently no plans to connect Rosselkhozbank to the SWIFT international interbank payment system as a means to restore the Black Sea grain deal. This clarification comes from diplomatic sources discussed with the United Nations, with TASS reporting on the matter. The overall intention appears to be cautious and conditional, focusing on structured steps before any payment channel linkage is reconsidered within the broader framework of sanctions, security guarantees, and financial controls that govern such transactions.
In talks that have circulated publicly, it has been suggested that payments might be routed through SWIFT using a subsidiary of Rosselkhozbank rather than the bank itself. This approach reflects a desire to test the mechanics of the system without bringing the full bank into direct fault lines with existing restrictions. Those familiar with the discussions indicate that the idea remains under exploration rather than being a concrete plan, underscoring the tentative nature of any change in how payments could flow if and when the grain deal is reactivated.
Experts note that the UN and Turkey can facilitate discussions, yet the ultimate permission to link a Russian financial entity to SWIFT hinges on the approval of the United States and European Union authorities. The international commercial and political calculus is complex, and any step toward reconnecting a Russian bank to SWIFT would require careful coordination across multiple capitals and alignment with broader sanctions regimes and security assurances demanded by Western partners.
Maria Zakharova, who previously served as a spokesperson for Russia’s Foreign Ministry, referenced a Turkish Anadolu Agency report as part of the narrative surrounding the UN’s new proposal package tied to the Black Sea grain deal. The message conveyed indicates that the reestablishment of SWIFT connectivity for Rosselkhozbank could be a central element of the conditions tied to unfreezing Russian assets and reviving the grain corridor. Dmitry Mironov, a senior official in Russia’s foreign policy team, echoed the emphasis on these prerequisites at the start of August, highlighting how policy demands have evolved in parallel with the evolving security and economic landscape.
Meanwhile, the operational footprint of the grain agreement continues to shrink as the most recent vessel previously engaged under the deal has completed its voyage. This development marks a tangible reminder of the fragility of the Black Sea corridor in the current geopolitical climate and underscores the sense of urgency felt by multiple stakeholders to navigate the path toward a durable resolution that stabilizes food markets while safeguarding strategic interests for all parties involved.