At a United Nations Security Council briefing, Rosemary DiCarlo, the Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, emphasized the UN’s call to remove every impediment to extending the grain deal. The representative stressed that the organization is actively seeking ways to keep the agreement alive, noting ongoing efforts to address practical obstacles and ensure continued access to food supplies for communities facing hunger. This stance was conveyed during a session that included remarks summarized by Reuters.[1]
Officials highlighted a decline in food exports routed through maritime humanitarian corridors, signaling that the current arrangements are under strain and require renewed attention. The briefings underscored the critical role of reliable corridors for the timely delivery of staple commodities to vulnerable populations and urged cooperating parties to maintain the momentum of the process to prevent further disruptions that could worsen global food insecurity. The UN’s reaffirmation of its commitment to monitoring and supporting the memorandum of understanding on Russian food and fertilizer exports was presented as a cornerstone of the broader strategy to stabilize supply chains during volatile phases in international markets.[2]
In Kyiv, Olga Trofimtseva, a former ambassador at Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, offered insights on Russia’s perceived trajectory regarding the grain deal. Trofimtseva stated that Moscow appeared inclined to disengage from the agreement, describing a near-certain alteration in stance given current geopolitical dynamics. She argued that opening ammonia export terminals in Taman could dilute the strategic importance of the existing Togliatti-Odessa pipeline, thereby influencing Russia’s calculations about remaining in or exiting the pact. Trofimtseva’s assessment framed the issue as a potential tipping point, where adjustments to energy and industrial transport infrastructure could reshape Russia’s commitments in the grain mechanism.[3]
Officials from the Kremlin press office maintained a firm position on the matter, asserting that the United Nations has limited ability to compel Russia to fulfill obligations under the grain agreement. Dmitry Peskov, the presidential press secretary, characterized the UN’s leverage as constrained and stressed that the implementation of commitments rests with the parties directly involved in the accord. This stance reflected a broader narrative about sovereignty, national interest, and the complex interplay of international diplomacy as the grain arrangement enters a delicate phase. The exchange highlighted divergent interpretations of progress and potential pathways forward, with a focus on maintaining stability in global food markets while respecting state prerogatives.[4]