The agreement on creating a safe naval corridor for Ukrainian grain exports signed by Russia, Ukraine, Turkey, and the UN has been extended by 60 days, Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko announced.
“Russia’s deputy minister [of foreign affairs Sergey Vershinin] who oversees the deal made a statement yesterday. Indeed, the deal has been extended for 60 days. Its package nature has been reiterated,” he said.
According to the official, Russia “will continue to insist that all grain deal provisions be implemented”. Grushko also said that the agreement was extended under the original conditions.
Russia, Ukraine, Turkey, and the UN signed the grain deal on 22 July 2022. The parties agreed to create a safe naval corridor for commercial vessels to leave Ukraine’s seaports and travel across the Black Sea. The deal was expiring on 18 March.
Earlier, Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Vershinin announced that Russia does not object to extending the grain deal beyond 18 March but only for a 60-day period. According to him, the future position will be determined with regards to the “real progress” achieved in normalising Moscow’s agricultural exports.