Moscow: EU does not fulfill its promises on the grain deal

Deputy Foreign Minister of Russia Alexander Grushko said that the European Union is not fulfilling its promises to lift restrictions on the export of Russian grain and fertilizers as part of the grain deal concluded in Istanbul.

“The work is not being done satisfactorily because, although the European Commission has made it clear that there are no sanctions against Russian agricultural operators, the sanctions apply to shipping and production,” the Russian official said.

In December last year, the Russian Foreign Ministry indicated that attempts were being made to restore the connection of the Russian Agricultural Bank “Rosselkhozbank” with the international banking system “Swift”, but these efforts were not enough.

The grain agreement, which was signed on July 22 by representatives of Russia, Turkey, Ukraine and the UN in Istanbul, provides for the export of Ukrainian grain, food and fertilizer across the Black Sea from three ports, including Odessa.

This is part of an agreement that also provides for the liberalization of Russian food and fertilizer exports, and Moscow has indicated that this is precisely what has not been implemented, while at the same time there have been assurances from the UN that the restrictions will be lifted.

Source: News