Putin to extend grain agreement only if Russia’s demands are met

Putin extends grain agreement only if Russia’s demands are met

Vladimir Putin, the President of Russia, met with Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the President of Turkey, on Monday, September 4th. Putin and Erdogan discussed the possibility of a new agreement for grain exports, particularly focusing on its revival.

After the meeting, Putin stated in a press conference that achieving a new agreement in this regard requires meeting all of Russia’s demands.

The Russian President emphasized that they will not reach a new agreement on the transportation of Ukrainian grain through the Black Sea until the West fulfills their conditions.

Putin continued by saying that first, the restrictions on Russian agricultural exports need to be lifted. Western sanctions against Russian grain exports, fertilizers, and agricultural technology have posed a problem.

These statements by the Russian President come as Erdogan had previously expressed his desire to return to the agreement for Ukrainian grain exports through the Black Sea. The Turkish government has repeatedly emphasized the importance of this agreement for ensuring global food supplies.