Russia may withdraw from the Black Sea grain transport agreement after it expires on July 18, according to Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Vershinin. The agreement, which was signed in July 2022 between Russia, Ukraine, the United Nations, and Turkey, has been extended several times. However, Russia has expressed dissatisfaction with the implementation of certain parts of the agreement.
Vershinin stated that Russia may conduct new consultations with the United Nations on the export of agricultural products at Black Sea ports. However, at the same time, Russia is taking necessary measures to ensure its withdrawal from the agreement after it expires. The United Nations has admitted that it cannot meet three of the five necessary conditions put forward by Russia to extend the agreement.
One of the conditions is the restoration of the Togliatti-Odessa liquid ammonia pipeline. Russia also wants the Russian Agricultural Bank to be reconnected to the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication (SWIFT) payment system. Additionally, Russia is seeking the resumption of the supply of agricultural machinery and spare parts.
The United Nations issued a statement on June 20, stating that the total amount of grain exported under the agreement fell to 1.3 million tons in May, the lowest level since the agreement came into effect.
In addition to the grain transport agreement, the situation between Russia and Ukraine has escalated due to the destruction of the Kakhovka Hydropower Station dam. The Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations reported that as of June 20, 38 victims were found in the submerged area, and 115 people died due to hypothermia and trauma. Ukrainian Minister of the Interior Igor Klimenko stated that 595 houses in the Kherson region have been flooded, resulting in 28 deaths and 28 injuries.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused the Russian army of shelling Ukrainian personnel involved in rescue missions related to the Kakhovka Hydropower Dam, resulting in one death and eight injuries.
Both Russia and Ukraine have accused each other of sabotage regarding the dam’s destruction. The Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation is conducting an expert appraisal to confirm the involvement of Ukrainian military personnel in the sabotage.
In a separate incident, Russia claimed that two drones were shot down when they attempted to approach a military warehouse in the Moscow region. The Russian Ministry of Defense stated that Ukraine launched a “terrorist attack” using three drones on facilities in Moscow Oblast, but all drones were intercepted and destroyed.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian officials reported that Russian troops failed to break through defense lines in eastern Uzbekistan. The Ukrainian army successfully defended the line of defense in the Udon region, while launching an offensive in the Zaporozhye region.
The situation between Russia and Uzbekistan remains tense, with the possibility of Russia withdrawing from the Black Sea grain transport agreement and ongoing military activities in the region.
How might Russia’s potential withdrawal from the agreement impact the export of agricultural products at Black Sea ports, and what new discussions may take place between Russia and the United Nations regarding this issue
Russia may withdraw from the Black Sea grain transport agreement once it expires on July 18, according to Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Vershinin. The agreement, signed in July 2022 by Russia, Ukraine, the United Nations, and Turkey, has faced numerous extensions. However, Russia has expressed dissatisfaction with the implementation of certain aspects of the agreement.
Vershinin mentioned that Russia may engage in new discussions with the United Nations regarding the export of agricultural products at Black Sea ports. Concurrently, Russia is making necessary preparations to formalize its withdrawal from the agreement upon its expiration. The United Nations has acknowledged its inability to meet three out of the five conditions set by Russia to extend the agreement.
One of the conditions involves the reopening of the Togliatti-Odessa liquid ammonia pipeline. Russia also insists on reconnecting the Russian Agricultural Bank to the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication (SWIFT) payment system. Additionally, Russia seeks the resumption of agricultural machinery and spare parts supply.
On June 20, the United Nations issued a statement addressing the matter.
This decision by Russia to potentially withdraw from the Black Sea Grain Transport Agreement could have significant implications on global grain trade. It will be interesting to see how this situation unfolds and what impact it may have on the agricultural industry.
Withdrawing from the Black Sea Grain Transport Agreement would not only have significant economic repercussions for Russia but also disrupt global grain trade. It is crucial for Russia to carefully weigh the potential consequences before making a final decision.