Putin Extends Grain Agreement Only If Russia’s Demands Are Met

Putin: Extension of the grain agreement only if Russia’s demands are met

Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Sochi on Monday, September 4. Putin and Erdogan discussed the potential revival of a new agreement for grain exports.

After the meeting, Putin stated at a press conference that achieving success in reaching a new agreement in this area requires that all of Russia’s demands be fulfilled.

The Russian President emphasized, ‘We will not reach a new agreement on the transportation of Ukrainian grain through the Black Sea unless the West meets our conditions first.’

Putin continued, ‘First, the restrictions on the export of Russian agricultural products must be lifted. Western sanctions have caused problems for the export of Russian grain, fertilizer, and agricultural technology.’

The Russian President’s remarks come as Erdogan had previously called for a return to the agreement on Ukrainian grain exports through the Black Sea. The Turkish government has repeatedly stressed that this agreement is crucial for global food supply.