Russia does not comply with the terms of the grain deal and does not allow ships to export products to one of the Ukrainian ports, US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said at a briefing.
According to him, the agreement implies the unhindered export of Ukrainian grain from three ports, but Russia refuses to allow ships to enter one of them. “This is a clear violation of its obligations under the Black Sea Grain Initiative,” Miller said.
The State Department spokesman added that Washington is urging Moscow “not to hold hostage” global food supplies, RBC reports.
Earlier, the Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine Mykola Solsky said that the Ukrainian ports of Nikolaev and Olvia would not fully resume work, despite an agreement on the withdrawal of Turkish ships located there. He explained that the ships can still leave the ports. but don’t go into them.
Russia and Ukraine negotiated a grain deal separately with Turkey and the UN last July. Since then, it has been extended several times. In mid-May 2023, the parties were able to extend the agreement for another two months, until July 17.
Moscow demanded the execution of part of the deal, which provides for the removal of restrictions on the export of Russian products, in particular, the reconnection of Rosselkhozbank to the SWIFT system. The UN said that transactions with the bank can be carried out outside this payment system.
Source: Rosbalt
Mario Twitchell is an accomplished author and journalist, known for his insightful and thought-provoking writing on a wide range of topics including general and opinion. He currently works as a writer at 247 news agency, where he has established himself as a respected voice in the industry.
