Russian MFA: No extension of grain deal without resolving systemic problems

Russia confirms its stance that without progress on resolving five systemic issues, there can be no talk of the further extension of the grain deal after May 18, the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement, Report informs via TASS.

"We confirm our position that without progress on resolving five systemic problems (reconnecting the Russian Agricultural Bank to SWIFT; resuming supplies of agricultural equipment, spare parts, and services; lifting restrictions on insurance and re-insurance as well as a ban on port access; resuming operation of the Togliatti-Odesa ammonia pipeline and unblocking the foreign assets and accounts of Russian companies involved in producing and transporting food and fertilizers) there can be no talk of extending further the Black Sea Initiative after May 18," the ministry’s statement said.