Russia outlines seven conditions to resume grain deal

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
22 Jul 2023 13:38

Moscow's deputy permanent representative to the UN reiterates that Russia's decision to withdraw from the grain deal was a result of unaddressed concerns.

Dmitry Polyanskiy, First Deputy Permanent Representative of Russia's mission to the United Nations, during a news conference at the United Nations Headquarters in New York on April 25, 2022 (AP)

Russia's Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, Dmitry Polyansky, has declared that Russia is open to rejoining the grain deal facilitated by the UN and Turkey but under certain conditions. Polyansky emphasized that Russia's decision to withdraw from the deal, which aimed to unblock agricultural exports, was not unexpected since their concerns had remained unaddressed.

The top Russian diplomat underscored the significance of the grain deal for global food supplies and emphasized that Russia would only consider rejoining if all the previously agreed-upon principles of their participation were fully implemented without any exceptions.

The conditions laid out by Russia encompass the practical lifting of sanctions on their grain and fertilizer exports to global markets, as well as the removal of obstacles faced by Russian financial institutions in the sector, including restoring their connection to the SWIFT payment system.

Furthermore, Russia insists on an uninterrupted supply of spare parts and components for agricultural machinery, the resolution of issues related to vessel freight and insurance concerning Russian food exports, and the unhindered expansion of Russian fertilizer exports, which includes repairing the damaged Togliatti-Odessa ammonia pipeline.

In addition to these demands, Russia requires the release of all its assets associated with the agricultural sector. They also emphasize that the grain deal should prioritize its original humanitarian purpose, aimed at addressing food issues in developing countries rather than benefiting wealthy nations.

Previously, Russia withdrew from the grain deal, and Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov characterized it as a "one-sided game," as none of Russia's long-standing demands had been met.

Following Russia's withdrawal, tensions escalated in the Black Sea region, with the Russian Defense Ministry warning that ships heading to Ukrainian ports might be treated as potential carriers of military cargo. In response, the Ukrainian Defense Ministry accused Moscow of turning the Black Sea into a "danger zone" and issued similar warnings to all vessels bound for Russia.