The Kremlin has stated that it does not rule out any scenarios regarding the possible resumption of the Black Sea grain deal, which expired in July 2023. This comes after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky discussed navigational security in the Black Sea, including the grain deal. While the Kremlin acknowledges the potential for dialogue, it stresses that any agreement on grain would need to be part of a broader package deal addressing Russia’s concerns.
Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov emphasized that any agreement would be “within the general context of the current situation,” hinting at a link to Russia’s ongoing military operation in Ukraine. Despite leaving the door open to negotiations, the Kremlin has not made any firm commitment to resuming the deal.
The statement suggests a cautious optimism for potential discussions, but highlights the significant hurdles that remain. Russia’s insistence on a package deal and its linking of the grain deal to broader geopolitical issues necessitate substantial negotiations to find a solution acceptable to all parties involved. The future of the Black Sea grain deal remains uncertain.