Black Sea Grain Deal Extended for Two Months, Russian Foreign Ministry

Russia confirmed on Wednesday that the Black Sea grain initiative had been extended for two months.

“We confirm the announcement made by the Turkish President of a two-month extension of the Black Sea grain initiative. This gives us a chance (…) to help ensure global food security,” Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told a press briefing in Moscow.

“Our principled assessments of the Istanbul agreements of 2022 have not changed, and the discrepancies in the implementation should be corrected as quickly as possible,” she stated.

Vice-Prime Minister for the Restoration of Ukraine, Oleksandr Kubrakov, also confirmed that the deal was extended. “Grateful for our partners at the UN and Turkey for their efforts in strengthening food security,” he tweeted.

Earlier in the day, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said the deal was extended for another sixty days. “With the efforts of our country, the support of our Russian friends, and the contribution of our Ukrainian friends, it was decided to extend the Black Sea grain deal for two more months. I wish to see this decision benefit all parties,” the Turkish leader stressed.

In July 2022, Russia and Ukraine signed a document in Istanbul with Turkey and the United Nations to ensure supplies of grain and fertilizer exports to global markets amid the Ukraine crisis. The initial 120-day agreement was extended by another 120 days in November 2022 and then by 60 days in March.