Russia Presses for Guarantees in Grain Deal Amid Talks in Istanbul
Russia cautions that without a guarantee by May 18, the grain framework could be jeopardized. Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Vershinin conveyed this stance, underscoring that Moscow will defend Russia’s national interests, including its agricultural and fertilizer sectors, during negotiations on extending the Black Sea initiative. The remarks were reported by TASS.
Vershinin stated that a plan benefiting only one party is unlikely to win broad recognition and approval. He noted that after talks in Istanbul on extending the Black Sea arrangement, Russia will continue to safeguard its strategic interests. The commentary was echoed in reports from TASS.
Representatives from Russia, Ukraine, Turkey and the United Nations met in Istanbul. Vershinin described the discussions in Istanbul as useful for clarifying work on implementing the Istanbul contracts.
He recalled that the decision to extend for 60 days was made on March 18, and that there remains a window to address distortions and deficiencies in the initiative. A spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry said Moscow opposes a permanent extension and expansion, while the West advocates otherwise. According to the diplomat, Russia will press for progress within the framework of the initiative, insisting that Russia’s participation remains meaningful and relevant only with continued engagement.
Vershinin cautioned that Russian exports still face obstacles. He noted that only Ukraine’s grain and agricultural products have been cleared for shipment, while Russian interests have been sidelined.
Vershinin reminded listeners that the agreements signed in Istanbul on July 22, 2022 consist of two parts. The first part deals with Ukrainian grain exiting through Ukrainian-controlled Black Sea ports, and this portion has been carried out safely, with more than 30 million tons of grain exported to date. The second part, a memorandum between Russia and the United Nations, he described as poorly implemented.
While acknowledging the UN and its Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Vershinin said concrete results remain elusive. He criticized statements from Washington, Brussels and London claiming that Russia’s agricultural exports face no sanctions, noting persistent issues with transactions, logistics and insurance.
Jim O’Brien, head of the State Department’s Office of Sanctions Coordination, indicated that the United States would support the parties’ decision to extend the grain deal if they agree on terms for the export of Russian ammonia fertilizers. He did not specify the exact conditions but urged Russian representatives to clarify their importance and work toward an agreement.
Currently, the State Department has said it maintains regular contact with domestic and international banks to reassure them that operations tied to Russian food and fertilizer exports are not subject to sanctions. O’Brien reported that initial payments from several African countries raised a few questions, but there have been few concerns about Russia receiving payments.
The Russian Foreign Ministry listed several conditions that would influence any further extension of the grain agreement. These include reconnecting Rosselkhozbank to the SWIFT system; resuming supply of agricultural machinery, spare parts and services; lifting restrictions on insurance and reinsurance; restoring access to ports; restarting the Togliatti-Odessa ammonia pipeline; and unfreezing foreign assets and accounts of Russian companies involved in food and fertilizer production and logistics.
Turkey’s leadership signaled that Russian interests were not fully observed at the end of April. Foreign Minister Mevlüt Cavusoglu highlighted ongoing challenges in payments, insurance and banking services, as well as the export of Russian ships and port access. He added that American and British banks and insurers have not fully supported these efforts even when the related sanctions lists did not apply.
There is cautious optimism in Ankara that the parties can extend the agreement by at least two months in the near term. The United Nations stressed on May 11 that the non-renewal of the document could threaten global food security and raise costs for staple products. UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric urged all parties to uphold their obligations and act accordingly for the sake of global stability and food access.