The Group of Seven industrialized nations called on Sunday for the "extension, full implementation, and expansion" of a crucial deal for exporting Ukrainian grain through the Black Sea, according to a statement from the group's agriculture ministers. The statement emphasized that "the seven nations recognize the importance of the agreement and condemn Russia's attempts to use food as a weapon, reiterating their commitment to solidarity and support for those affected by the weaponization of food (in the war)."
Additionally, it stated, "The Group of Seven is prepared to support recovery and reconstruction efforts in Ukraine, including providing expertise in landmine clearance from agricultural areas and rebuilding agricultural infrastructure." However, Russia will not agree to extend the deal beyond May 18, due to unmet demands regarding the facilitation of its own grain and fertilizer exports. Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev noted that if the G7 moves to ban exports to Russia, Moscow will respond by scrapping the Black Sea grain initiative that allows the export of grain from Ukraine.
In a post on his Telegram channel, Medvedev stated, "The idea from the fools in the G7 about an automatic complete ban on exports to our country is interesting because it also implies a similar ban on exports from our country, including categories of goods that are of utmost sensitivity to the G7." He added, "In this case, the grain agreement and many other things they need will come to an end."
