An ultimatum on the export of grain from Ukrainian ports that have fallen into the hands of Moscow, the representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry sent on Monday Maria Zakharova.

The United Nations announced on Saturday that the Black Sea Grain Initiative had been renewed, but Moscow made it clear that it would not be extended. beyond May 18, if her demands are not met.

“March 18 marked the end of the second 120-day period of the Black Sea Initiative.” Due to the lack of progress in the implementation of the Russia-UN Memorandum on the normalization of domestic agricultural exports, Moscow decided to reduce the next extension to 60 days, i.e. until May 18. Zakharova clarified.

“This position has been officially communicated to the Turkish and Ukrainian sides of the Black Sea Initiative, as well as to the UN representatives. There were no official objections,” he stressed.

According to Moscow, a further decision to extend the initiative will depend on progress in implementing the following conditions under the implementation of the Russia-UN Memorandum:

  • Reconnection of Rosselkhozbank to SWIFT.
  • Resupply of agricultural machinery, spare parts and service.
  • Removal of restrictions on insurance and reinsurance plus lifting of the ban on access to ports.
  • Restoration of operation of the “Tolyatti-Odessa” ammonia pipeline.
  • Freezing foreign assets and accounts of Russian companies involved in the production and transportation of food and fertilizers.

“Without progress in implementing these demands, which are not entirely new and should have been resolved within the framework of the Russia-UN Memorandum, our participation in the ‘Black Sea Initiative’ will be suspended” Maria Zakharova interpreted.