Lavrov will travel to the United States next week to meet with Antonio Guterres in New York and to discuss the fate of the grain export agreement. The talks come as a key part of ongoing discussions about sustaining the corridor that allows Ukrainian grain to reach global markets, a path that many countries rely on for food security. Reports indicate that the Russian foreign minister is scheduled to join senior UN officials in discussions aimed at extending the framework that governs those shipments from Ukrainian ports.
The visit also includes a trip to Turkey, where Lavrov is expected to engage in additional diplomatic dialogues in the lead up to and during his time in New York. The schedule underscores a broader push by Moscow to use high-level meetings at the United Nations to press for assurances that the grain export mechanism remains functional and that all parties observe the terms agreed previously. The objective, as stated by Russian officials, is to secure a stable, predictable flow of grain amid global supply concerns.
Within the United Nations, Russia holds a presidency in the Security Council for a period that brings additional attention to its priorities and positions on the grain arrangement. This involvement is framed by Moscow as a commitment to international food security while it separately notes ongoing complaints about compliance with the terms of the existing agreement. The Russian delegation has repeatedly signaled that there are currently no indications that the arrangement will be extended beyond its current expiry in May, and that Moscow will continue to evaluate any proposals through its official channels and in coordination with allied governments.
A spokesperson for Russia’s mission at the United Nations reiterated the country’s stance in recent briefings, emphasizing that the situation requires careful consideration of all parties’ obligations and the potential consequences of any disruption to grain shipments. The discussions in New York are positioned as a critical juncture for assessing how best to preserve the corridor’s viability while acknowledging the concerns raised by various international partners about safety, compliance, and market stability. As the week unfolds, observers will watch for any formal statements or updates that clarify whether an extension is being negotiated and on what terms. The overall tone from Moscow stresses accountability and the importance of a predictable export route for food products that reach regions facing acute shortages, especially during times of rising prices and uncertain supply chains. [TASS coverage and official briefings attributed to the Russian mission]