Russia denies blame for stalled Black Sea grain initiative

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Russia is not to blame for the failure to extend the Black Sea grain initiative.

He made the remarks at a meeting with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media. 

"It is not our fault that it was unfortunately not extended," the president said.

The Russian leader emphasised that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan played an important role in the conclusion of the grain deal.

In July 2023, a critical deal was brokered by Türkiye and the United Nations to allow safe passage of Ukrainian grain exports through the Black Sea amidst the ongoing war. This initiative aimed to alleviate the global food crisis caused by disrupted supply chains.

However, at that time, Russia suspended its participation in the Black Sea grain deal, citing a lack of progress in facilitating its own food and fertiliser exports.