The Russian Federation’s Ambassador to the United States, Anatoly Antonov, has repeatedly asserted that Moscow remains open to reviving the Black Sea grain initiative. He urged the United States to begin removing sanctions obstacles, arguing that such steps would clear the path for renewed cooperation. These sentiments were reported by TASS.
According to Antonov, a successful reestablishment of the agreement would hinge on the Russian side’s legitimate demands for strict adherence to the related Istanbul framework being met. In his view, the North Atlantic alliance and its partners must recognize and address the key elements that ensure the agreement’s proper functioning, rather than treating the matter as a binary dispute. The ambassador underscored that the Istanbul arrangements encompass more than just the Ukrainian portion and include an equally vital Russia-UN accord on bringing domestic food and fertilizers to global markets.
Powerful remarks from Samantha Power, who previously led the U.S. Agency for International Development, were cited in the discussions. Antonov indicated that officials in the United States were intent on preventing Ukrainian grain from being displaced by Russian exports on world markets. The implication, he argued, is that the competition for grain is intensifying and the market is watching closely how policies unfold on the international stage.
Antonov highlighted Russia’s recent harvest performance, noting solid results through the latter part of 2022 and into recent months. He asserted that Moscow is seeking to fill the market gap created by Russia’s exit from the grain agreement, implying that the country is ready to step in and meet demand while also leveraging opportunities in global supply chains. Critics and supporters alike have debated the consequences of this shift, particularly for global food security and price stability across food-importing nations.
The final shipment under the previous grain agreement has departed the Black Sea, marking a turning point in the ongoing negotiations. Observers emphasize that the opening of a new path for grain exports will depend heavily on mutual concessions, transparent verification, and reliable logistic arrangements. The dialogue surrounding the initiative continues to involve multiple actors, each seeking to balance humanitarian concerns with strategic and economic interests in the region. Attribution: reporting by TASS and accompanying commentary from policymakers in Washington and Moscow.