Russia Not Interested in Extending Black Sea Grain Deal

Russian news agency reported on Sunday, citing Russian Agriculture Minister Dmitry Patrushev, that Moscow is not interested in extending the Black Sea grain deal. He added that the decision is largely political, but Russia will continue to export its grains as it has buyers. The agency quoted Patrushev saying, "Our grain export volumes have not decreased in any way considering the end of the grain deal, but in fact have increased slightly." Russia withdrew from the agreement in July, which allowed Ukraine to safely export grains from its Black Sea ports. Russia claims it withdrew from the deal because it did not guarantee the delivery of grains to poorer countries and because it still faces hurdles for its grain and fertilizer exports.