MOSCOW, RUSSIA (TEH) — President Vladimir Putin on Monday underscored Russia’s potential return to an imperative global grain deal, expressing, however, that a sequence of explicit conditions must first be met. The President indicated that Russia is not fundamentally opposed to the agreement, given its paramount significance to the worldwide food market. Yet, he emphasized the importance of having the terms previously agreed upon for Russia’s involvement in the deal to be fully respected and implemented unconditionally.
“We are open to the possibility of reengaging in the grain agreement, but it hinges on the complete observance and application of all the prearranged principles for Russia’s participation,” Putin stated.
Among the conditions stipulated by the Russian President include the suspension of sanctions affecting Russia’s grain and fertilizer exports to global markets. Further, the President urged for the elimination of barriers obstructing financial institutions and banks tasked with facilitating Russia’s food supply, particularly their unhindered access to the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication (SWIFT) system.
Additionally, Putin called for the removal of restrictions on the supply of spare parts required for agricultural machinery in Russia. He emphasized the urgency in addressing issues related to the chartering of vessels and insurance of exported food supplies, to ensure uninterrupted operations.
The Russian leader demanded, “Unimpeded conditions must be ensured for the expansion of Russian fertilizers and raw materials for their production, which includes restoring the Togliatti-Odessa ammonia pipeline, a vital conduit that was destroyed on the orders of the Kiev regime.”
Adding to the subject, Putin expressed that the Russian assets tied to the agricultural sector should also be given due consideration.
The Russian President further criticized the West for allegedly distorting the intent of the grain agreement, which was initially formulated to aid countries in need. He claimed that the agreement has been exploited for political manipulation, deviating from its humanitarian principles. In this regard, he asserted that a key prerequisite for Russia’s return to the agreement lies in the “restoration of its original human essence.”
Earlier, Russia’s United Nations mission had unilaterally decided to suspend their involvement in the Black Sea initiative. Nevertheless, the Russian side made it clear that they have no current plans to negotiate on this matter. In light of this, Putin’s announcement of the potential return to the grain deal marks a significant shift in Russia’s stance, leaving global stakeholders eagerly watching the developments.
