Russia asked today to Western restrictions are lifted which have targeted the Russian agricultural sector under threat to end on May 18 the agreement allowing Ukrainian grain exports.

Russian diplomacy put forward five demands in its announcement, including the reconnection of the Russian agricultural bank Rosselkhozbank to the SWIFT international banking system, the resumption of deliveries to Russia of agricultural machinery and components, the removal of obstacles to ensure the access of ships to foreign ports.

Also ask for it unfreezing the assets of Russian companiesn linked to the agricultural sector and located abroad and the resumption of operation of the Tolyatti-Odessa pipeline, which connects Russia with Ukraine and allows the delivery of ammonia, a chemical ingredient used in agriculture.

“Without progress in resolving these five systemic problems (…) there can be no talk of extending the Black Sea Initiative (the grain deal) beyond May 18,” the Russian ministry said in a statement. Foreign.

The deal, reached last July and allowing Ukrainian grain to be exported via the Black Sea despite the war, was extended on March 19. It has so far allowed the export of at least 27 million tons of agricultural products.

Moscow insisted on a 60-day extension instead of the original 120 days of the deal, insisting that its other arm, which deals with its own agricultural exports still hampered by Western sanctions, be respected.