Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has threatened to suspend the agreement that allows the export of Ukrainian grains if the West continues to hinder Russian agricultural exports.
The threat was made by the Russian ruler in Turkey after a meeting with his Turkish counterpart, Mevlut Cavusoglu.
“If progress is not made in removing barriers to Russian exports of fertilizers and grains, we will question whether this agreement is necessary,” Lavrov warned.
The agreement that allowed Ukrainian grain to be exported across the Black Sea despite the war was extended on 19 March.
Sergei Lavrov was also received by the President of Turkey Recep Erdogan at the Presidential Palace, but no details about this meeting were revealed.
The Russian official lamented the difficulties Russia faces in exporting its agricultural products, such as grains and fertilizers, particularly to access transportation insurance.
Lavrov also denounced the disparity of Ukrainian exports between rich and poor countries.
Also during the day, the Russian foreign minister defended that peace negotiations with Ukraine depend on the establishment of a “new world order”, in which there is no US dominance.
“Negotiations can only take place taking into account Russian interests. These are the principles on which the new world order will be based,” Sergei Lavrov stressed during a press conference with his Turkish counterpart, held as part of his trip to Turkey.
Ukraine is one of the world’s largest grain producers.
The deal has enabled the export of 25 million tons of grain on more than 1,600 merchant ship voyages since last July. Fifty-five percent of this food went to developing countries.
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish counterpart Erdogan have a close relationship, either over the phone or through face-to-face meetings, having met four times last year.
Source: DN
