Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova responded to reports that Ukraine has restarted online talks about the grain deal without Russian participation. The update comes as Kyiv appears to be steering discussions with alternative partners, with Reuters citing a Ukrainian government source that Kyiv will likely meet with representatives other than Moscow. This development underscores the ongoing sensitivity around control, participation, and direction in the negotiations that govern a critical food-export corridor.
Zakharova pointed out that Moscow has been aware of statements from several parties, including Kyiv officials, concerning the extension of the Black Sea Initiative. She highlighted that the second term of the agreement, which sought to facilitate grain shipments, is approaching a deadline, with a renewal decision expected soon. The Russian side has consistently stressed that negotiations on this matter did not proceed with Russian involvement, and she reiterated that Russia was not part of any discussions that would shape the extension or rewrite the terms of the accord.
In her remarks, the spokesperson reminded audiences that the accords signed in Istanbul on July 22, 2022 were meant to be carried out in a coordinated manner. The goal was to address the global food crisis and to provide support to vulnerable nations across Africa, Asia, and Latin America that rely on these shipments. The emphasis from Moscow has been on ensuring that any continuation of the agreement would involve all signatories and reflect a shared commitment to maintaining safe corridors for grain transport while safeguarding the interests of producer countries and importing nations alike.
Meanwhile, Andriy Yermak, who previously headed the Office of the President of Ukraine, stated that Kyiv had met all conditions agreed upon in conjunction with the United Nations for the grain arrangement. He asserted that Ukraine would insist on an indefinite extension, arguing that the partnership framework with the UN has fulfilled its stated objectives and that stability in grain supplies should not be limited by time constraints. This stance reflects Kyiv’s effort to secure long-term access to export routes essential for maintaining market confidence and global food security.