Russia will support an extension of the grain export deal despite concerns about its implementation because that would present the best opportunity for increased Russian ag and fertilizer shipments, Deputy Director of the Center for Comprehensive European and International Studies Dmitry Suslov told TASS news agency. “Keeping this deal and the time left before its end is a good opportunity to achieve lifting of such restrictions, since if the deal is not renewed, then exports of Russian agricultural products will remain hindered,” Suslov noted. He said there’s risk of new sanctions against Russia from Western allies if the deal is not extended. Plus, Moscow wants to maintain a positive relationship with Turkey and improve dialogue with African countries, to which ag products will be supplied.
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But he noted: “The grain deal is not implemented as it was designed. Firstly, the overwhelming portion of Ukrainian grain is not going to poor developing countries and, secondly, the issue of export of Russian agricultural products and Russian fertilizers is not solved. The deal is working for less than a half, for about a quarter, that is, Ukrainian grain is exported but not to where it should go and restrictions on Russian export are not lifted.”
