Russia sees 'no prospects' for Ukraine grain deal renewal as deadline looms
Russia says it sees no prospects for extending the Black Sea grain export deal, which allows grain shipments from Ukrainian ports through a safe corridor in the sea.
Russia's foreign ministry said on Monday that it was continuing consultations with the United Nations about the UN-backed Black Sea Grain Initiative, which is set to expire in mid-July.
The ministry said that ship inspections had already resumed in Ukraine’s Black Sea ports.
The deal was originally brokered by Turkey and the United Nations last July to allow Ukraine to resume exports from its southern ports, which had been blockaded by Russia since the start of the war in Ukraine in February last year.
The agreement last came up for renewal on May 18 and Russia agreed at that point to extend it for 60 more days, to July 17.
A new round of Russia-UN talks would take place in regard to the deal in Geneva on June 9.
Ukraine was one of the world's major grain exporters before the onset of Russia’s military campaign in February last year.
More than 30 million tons of grain and agricultural products have been exported under the initiative to date.
Moscow said previously that the initiative will cease unless an agreement aimed at overcoming obstacles to its own grain and fertilizer exports is fulfilled.
It has said sanctions on its payments, logistics and insurance industries have created barriers.
Moscow demands the reopening of a pipeline carrying ammonia from Russia to the Ukrainian Black Sea port of Pivdennyi for export to global markets. The Kremlin says the West has blocked the export of ammonia in violation of past deals. Ammonia is a core component of fertilizer.
A senior Ukrainian official has told Reuters that Kiev would consider allowing Russian ammonia to transit its territory for export on condition that the Black Sea grain deal is expanded to include more Ukrainian ports and a wider range of commodities.
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