Russian Ambassador to Turkey: No Justification for Extending Grain Deal

The Russian ambassador to Turkey stated on Friday that "Moscow continues consultations with the United Nations regarding the grain export agreement across the Black Sea, but there is no reason to extend it," according to Russian news agency reports. The agreement was reached with the mediation of Turkey and the United Nations last July to allow Ukraine to resume grain exports from its southern ports. It will expire next month if Russia refuses to renew it.