Moscow sees the extension of the grain agreement as an opportunity to ensure global food security. “We confirm the announcement by the Turkish President (Recep Tayyip Erdogan) that the Black Sea Initiative will be extended by two months,” said Maria Zakharova, spokeswoman for the Russian Foreign Ministry, on Wednesday, according to the state agency TASS. “This creates an opportunity to ensure global food security not just with words but with deeds, primarily for countries that need it most.” Any discrepancies in the implementation of the grain agreement should be resolved “as soon as possible”.
Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Oleksandr Kubrakov also confirmed that the grain corridor would last until July 18. “We welcome the extension of the work of the initiative, but we emphasize that it must work effectively,” the 40-year-old wrote on Facebook. “Almost” 70 ships are currently waiting in Turkish waters for approval.