7th April 2023 – (Moscow) Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov warned on Friday that Russia may abandon a landmark grain deal with Ukraine if obstacles to Moscow’s exports persist. The agreement, negotiated in July by Türkiye and the United Nations, allows Ukraine, one of the world’s top grain producers, to export grain through a safe corridor in the Black Sea. However, Lavrov expressed dissatisfaction with the implementation of the agreement, particularly regarding Russia’s right to export fertilisers. He made these comments during a joint news conference with his Turkish counterpart, Mevlut Cavusoglu, in Ankara.
The agreement has been renewed twice, with the latest extension in March for 60 days, instead of the original 120 days. So far, it has facilitated the export of more than 27 million tonnes of grain and agricultural products. However, Russia has been facing challenges in its exports due to secondary sanctions imposed on shipping and insurance companies, as well as banks, despite there being no sanctions on Russian exports of food and fertilizers to global markets. Lavrov acknowledged that while the USA and England have taken some steps in terms of payment and insurance, the problems persist, and barriers remain.
Türkiye, a NATO member with good ties to both Russia and Ukraine, is pushing for a 120-day extension of the agreement, citing concerns about the global food crisis. Cavusoglu emphasised the importance of continuing the agreement and reducing global food crisis through the continuation of exports. However, Lavrov’s comments indicate that Russia is considering abandoning the deal unless obstacles to its own exports are resolved.
Lavrov also stated that any Ukraine peace talks should focus on creating a “new world order” and should take into account Russian interests and concerns. He rejected a “unipolar world order led by ‘one hegemon'” and emphasised the need for principles that would shape the new world order. Russia has long argued that it is fighting against the United States’ dominance over the global stage, and it sees the Ukraine offensive as part of that fight. The Kremlin has stated that it has no choice but to continue its offensive in Ukraine, as it sees no diplomatic solution
In addition to the Ukraine situation, Russia and Türkiye are also engaged in talks to normalize ties between Türkiye and Syria after years of tensions due to the Syrian civil war. Ankara had supported rebel groups fighting against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Cavusoglu acknowledged that problems cannot be resolved in a single meeting and called for the resumption of dialogue between the two countries. Russian President Vladimir Putin and Erdogan have been in regular contact through telephone or face-to-face meetings, with four meetings taking place in different locations last year.
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