Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Vershinin rejected Turkey’s proposal to escort Ukrainian grain ships through the Black Sea, saying it was not a viable alternative to the collapse of the grain deal, following Russia’s decision to suspend its participation in the pact earlier this week.

“I think this option is dangerous and impossible,” Vershinin said during a press conference today, Friday.

He also said that his country’s return to the Black Sea Wheat Initiative is in the hands of Moscow’s “foreign partners” and that there are currently no negotiations for another deal.

Vershinin said Russia is working to find alternative export routes for its agricultural exports, maintaining “serious contacts with African countries for the delivery of Russian cargoes, including grain,” as well as with Turkey.

“We are ready to consider various options for further continuation of grain supply to the world market, both grain and fertilizer,” he said. “Among the countries with which we have very close cooperation is Turkey, the traditional cooperation, and we are also in contact with them now about what we should do in the present situation.”