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Kremlin: Chances of Extending Black Sea Export Deal Diminish

Kremlin: Chances of Extending Black Sea Export Deal Diminish

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov announced today, Tuesday, that the chances of extending the grain export agreement via the Black Sea are shrinking, noting that discussions between the parties are ongoing but have not produced results.

Peskov pointed out that part of the agreement regarding Russia's interests has not been implemented, but dialogue continues, emphasizing that "Russia's position is well known... the agreement was extended for two months... the terms related to the Russian agricultural sector have not been fulfilled." He added that he cannot speak about the format in which negotiations will continue, nor about their timing and location. Peskov further stated, "Communications are ongoing, but they have not yielded results so far."

Similarly, Russian diplomat at the embassy in the United States, Andrei Lideniev, said on the embassy's Telegram account that "no progress has been made yet to resolve the financial and logistical issues for the shipment of Russian grains and fertilizers." He noted that "importing agricultural equipment into Russia is difficult."

He also reiterated accusations often voiced by Moscow that the crisis is directly caused by the "strategy of sanctions" adopted by the United States and its Western allies against Moscow, which places restrictions on access to payment services, insurance, and logistics services. The agreement, brokered by the United Nations and Turkey last July, is set to expire on May 18 and allows for the export of Ukrainian grains from the country's ports on the Black Sea.

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