On Friday, top Russian diplomat Mikhail Ulyanov gave the West until May 18 to remove “obstacles” to the Black Sea grain pact.
Russia renewed the Black Sea grain export deal for 60 days last month but may not renew it until the West reduces grain and fertilizer export restrictions.
The accord established a secure transit channel for shipments from three Ukrainian ports, alleviating a global food crisis that U.N. experts blamed on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Implement the July 2022 Istanbul accord. “The West has time to remove obstacles to the full implementation of the arrangements,” Ulyanov said on Telegram.
On Feb. 24, 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine. As a result, western nations levied heavy sanctions. In addition, Moscow claims financial, logistical, and insurance limitations impede food and fertilizer shipments.
Moscow wants the Russian Agricultural Bank (Rosselkhozbank) connected to SWIFT and agricultural machinery and parts limitations lifted for a prolonged period.
“Trying to move the process forward” on Russia’s requests, U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric said Wednesday.
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