Russia resorted to blackmail again – UNIAN

The Russian Federation threatens to withdraw from the Black Sea Grain Initiative for the delivery of Ukrainian food to other countries in the world if there is no consensus on satisfying Russian interests. This was stated by Deputy Head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Serhiy Vershinin, reports RIA Novosti.

According to the Russian side, the Black Sea Initiative expires on May 18. “So, it ceases to exist,” Vershinin replied to the question about the options for action in case it is not possible to reach a consensus on its continuation by May 18, taking into account the interests of the Russian Federation regarding the supply of fertilizers.

Vershinin stated that “an initiative that brings one-sided benefits can hardly be recognized and confirmed by everyone.”

He noted that the Russian Federation primarily protects the national interests of Russia, its agricultural producers and fertilizer producers.

Speaking about the terms of the extension of the agreement, Vershinin noted that various proposals were made at the meeting. “We proceed from the fact that there was a decision to extend it for 60 days, 60 days will end on May 18. Work and contacts continue, however, all other terms and wishes of the parties can only be considered, but we are not going to act against our interests,” the diplomat said .

“Grain deal” is the main thing

As reported by UNIAN, on July 22, 2022, Ukraine and Russia, through the mediation of Turkey, signed separate agreements with the UN on the restoration of the export of Ukrainian agricultural products through the Black Sea after the start of a full-scale war. At the same time, Russia periodically obstructs the implementation of the initiative.

On November 17, the “grain initiative” was extended for 120 days.

On March 18 of this year, the Minister of Community Development, Territories and Infrastructure Oleksandr Kubrakov announced that the “grain agreement” was extended for another 120 days. Although the Russian Federation announced an extension for 60 days.

On Friday, May 5, another session of negotiations was held on the humanitarian corridor for the implementation of the grain agreement, which reached an impasse. As of Monday, May 8, 90 vessels were waiting for inspection in the territorial waters of Turkey, of which 62 are vessels that are under load. Inspections of both inbound and outbound fleets have been suspended.

Today, May 11, two-day negotiations on the Black Sea Grain Initiative ended in Turkey. The Ukrainian side insisted that the grain initiative should be continued and expanded. The next consultations on unlocking the initiative will continue in online format.

At the end of April 2023, the Russians made another accusation against Ukraine. Moscow has said that Kyiv is using humanitarian corridors to attack ports in occupied Crimea. Despite the agreement on the extension of the “grain agreement” (it became known about the renewal of the agreement for another 120 days on March 18, 2023), Russia actually stopped the export of Ukrainian grain, blocking inspections of ships in the Black Sea.

On May 3, the press secretary of the President of Turkey, Ibrahim Kalin, said that if the negotiations in Turkey are not successful, the “grain corridor” will cease to exist.

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