Russia’s statements on “grain deal” aimed to have sanctions against financial institutions eased – MFA

Ambassador of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine on special assignments, coordinator of the Council of Exporters and Investors ha Trofimtseva said this during a panel discussion at the Media Center Ukraine – Ukrinform.

"It (Russia’s position – ed.) remains unchanged, there should be no concessions, no reaction to this Russian blackmail. We perfectly understand what Russia seeks to bargain," she said.

Trofimtseva noted that Russia is trying to have sanctions against banks and financial institutions softened by issuing statements regarding the "grain agreement" and blackmail attempts. According to the official, these sanctions hinder Russia’s full-fledged exports of agricultural products and fertilizers.

Read also: Ukraine exports over 34.7M tonnes of grain in 2022/2023 MY

"That's why these leaks happen and radical positions or ultimatums are voiced. But we stand our ground, and I'm very glad that our partners – the UN, Türke, and all others – support us in this regard," the ambassador emphasized.

As Ukrinform reported earlier, Ukraine, the United Nations, and Türke on November 17, 2022,  in Istanbul agreed to extend the "Initiative for the safe transportation of agricultural products across the Black Sea" for another 120 days. The initiative was launched on July 22, 2022, while the first bulker carrying Ukrainian food products left the port of Odesa on August 1. The agreement is valid until March 18, 2023.

Read also: Ukraine exports 24.4M t of agricultural products through "grain corridor"

On March 15, 2023, Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar said that during the ministerial-level negotiations on the extension of the initiative, Türke is making efforts to extend the agreement for 120 days, not for 60, as previously stated by the Russian Federation.