Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov expressed support for restarting the Black Sea Grain Initiative, emphasizing the need for a more balanced agreement acceptable to all parties.
Speaking in Moscow on Tuesday, Lavrov revealed that the issue was a key topic during Russian-US discussions in Riyadh on Monday.
He stated that Russia seeks a renewed deal that better suits the interests of everyone involved.
The main barrier to reviving the initiative, Lavrov explained, is the lack of trust in Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
“We cannot take this man’s word for it,” he said, underscoring the tension between the two nations.
Lavrov highlighted Russia’s goal of ensuring a stable and predictable market for grain and fertilizers, while preventing external forces from sidelining Russia in these sectors.
He also raised concerns about the ongoing food crisis in Africa and other parts of the Global South, blaming Western interference in global trade for exacerbating the situation.
The Black Sea Grain Initiative, known as the “grain deal,” previously facilitated Ukrainian grain exports from Black Sea ports and eased sanctions on Russian agricultural products and fertilizers.
However, the Russian side of the agreement was never fully implemented, leading Moscow to refuse an extension in July 2023.
