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Moscow has warned that it could block Ukraine’s shipments of grain to international markets unless the west removes “obstacles” to Russia’s own exports.
Russia in mid-March agreed a 60-day extension to a longstanding deal that has allowed Ukraine to continue to cheaply export its vital grain supplies, despite Russia’s invasion.
But foreign minister Sergei Lavrov said on Friday the country was now prepared to let the deal lapse unless western capitals were willing to make concessions.
“We suspended the agreement because we didn’t see anyone trying to solve these problems in real terms. Then we decided to extend for 60 days,” Lavrov said at a press conference in Ankara following a meeting with his Turkish counterpart, Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu. “But if no step is taken after 60 days, we will start questioning if we need this agreement.”
The deal, which was negotiated by Turkey and the UN, is seen as a critical lifeline for Ukraine’s battered economy and its vast agricultural sector. The 27mn tonnes of grain and edible oils shipped, despite Russia’s Black Sea blockade, have also helped ensure that some of the world’s poorest countries would continue to have access to affordable food and avoid famine.
Russia is also a major food exporter, and Lavrov said it was unfair that the west had cut Russia off from the Swift payments messaging system, which is crucial in facilitating global commerce.
The lack of access to Swift was making it difficult for the country to ship grain and fertiliser, despite these products not being subject to sanctions from Ukraine’s western allies.
Lavrov said restrictions on insuring Russian ships, put in place to enforce a cap on the price of the country’s oil, were also snarling its exports.
The grain agreement was initially struck in July last year and then extended in November.
Turkey had been pushing vigorously for a full 120-day extension to the deal, according to a senior official who had been briefed on the talks.
However, Russia’s concerns over its own exports — as well as attempts by Ukraine to expand the deal to include more products — had complicated the negotiations. “The jury is still out on another extension,” the person said.
The EU is also pushing heavily for an extension, which it sees as critical to sustaining Ukraine’s economy during the conflict.
Brussels has set up expanded land export corridors for grain through Poland and other countries. But logistical difficulties along these so-called solidarity lanes have had a negative impact on EU markets, forcing the resignation this week of Poland’s agriculture minister, Henryk Kowalczyk.
Lavrov’s visit to Turkey comes at a time when Moscow’s relationship with Washington and other western capitals continues to cool.
The Biden administration has strongly rebuked Russia over its detention earlier this month of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich. Moscow, meanwhile, has been infuriated by Finland’s accession to the Nato military alliance.
Lavrov declined to take a question from the Financial Times at Friday’s press conference on why Gershkovich was detained or whether Moscow would heed calls from the US and its allies to release him.
Additional reporting by Funja Guler
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