Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmitry Kuleba stated on a telethon broadcast that Kyiv will not yield ground to Russia in order to extend the grain corridor. He underscored the imperative to safeguard the grain route and insisted that the Russian Federation must meet its commitments first. The message from Kyiv centers on a firm stance that any extension of the deal cannot come at the expense of Ukrainian interests or security guarantees for the Black Sea export corridor.
Earlier, Barbara Woodward, the United Kingdom’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, spoke during a briefing linked to Britain taking the presidency of the UN Security Council. She spoke about the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the extension of the grain agreement, despite efforts by the British government and UN officials who have said they are doing everything possible to secure a renewed arrangement. The remarks highlighted the fragile nature of negotiations and the wide range of concerns that persist among partners about timelines, compliance, and the impact on global food markets.
Meanwhile, Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin press secretary, floated a possibility for a Rosselkhozbank subsidiary to tap SWIFT and thereby influence the grain deal. When pressed about whether there is hope for a return to SWIFT operations, Peskov answered that Moscow has nothing new to report regarding the portion of the agreement that concerns Russia and that the current status shows that this segment remains unimplemented. The exchange underscored Moscow’s position that progress hinges on the fulfilment of obligations from the other side and on concrete steps within the agreed framework.
The broader question of how leadership in Moscow and Minsk view the evolving dynamics was also addressed as regional officials and international observers sought clarity on whether the discussions will yield tangible concessions or if tactical patience will prevail. Analysts note that the outlook for the grain corridor depends on a mix of diplomatic pressure, security assurances for merchant ships, and guarantees that buffer zones and safe passage will be respected. The ongoing dialogue reflects a complicated balance between ensuring global food security and preserving national interests and strategic postures across the region.
As the situation develops, observers compare the rhetoric from Kyiv, Moscow, and allied capitals with the practical outcomes on the ground. The core tension remains clear: ensure uninterrupted grain exports while maintaining robust protections against disruption and coercion. The participants continue to weigh the potential economic, humanitarian, and geopolitical consequences of any change to the arrangement, with international organizations urging restraint and reiterating the need for a durable, verifiable agreement that all sides can trust. The unfolding narrative keeps a constant watch on the risk of renewed tensions and the imperative to keep food supplies flowing to vulnerable markets and populations around the world.