Russia's First Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Dmitriy Polyanskiy, expressed a lack of optimism regarding the prospects of resuming the grain deal, as stated in an interview with Izvestia newspaper.
"It [the grain deal] encompassed two components – the Black Sea initiative pertaining to Ukrainian grain and the three-year Russia-UN memorandum regarding the export of Russian fertilizers and products to global markets. We are not introducing new demands; our aim is simply to ensure the fulfillment of the commitments made to us. <...> At present, I do not discern any factors that would engender optimism regarding the potential revival of the grain deal in any form," he remarked when questioned about the possibility of Western nations meeting Russia's stipulated conditions outlined in the memorandum.
"I haven't come across any new formats that the UN has put forth," the diplomat added. He mentioned that presently, the UN is "constrained to expressing general aspirations for the deal's reinstatement." Nevertheless, Polyanskiy highlighted that "there is now discussion not solely focused on Ukrainian grain but also encompassing Russian agricultural products and fertilizers." This shift can be viewed as "a significant development," as previously, only Ukrainian grain was under consideration.
Simultaneously, Polyanskiy emphasized that the UN, specifically the organization's Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, is making significant efforts to address Russia's requirements. "We have conveyed this message publicly, and we acknowledge the Secretary-General and his team's diligent endeavors to advance the implementation of this document," remarked the diplomat. He added that Guterres' team has been active throughout the year, but he also noted, "not everything is within their control." According to Polyanskiy, "essentially, everything hinges on Western states, who could bring this to fruition if they were inclined to do so." However, the Russian side has not observed such an inclination, he concluded.
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Based on materials from TASS