Russia demands the resolution of “systemic problems” to allow a new extension of the grain agreement

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13 Apr. (EUROPE PRESS) –

The Russian Foreign Ministry has demanded the resolution of “systemic problems” to allow a new extension of the grain agreement beyond May 18, the date on which the current 60-day extension agreed in mid-March expires.

Among its demands, Moscow has called for the reconnection of Rosseljozbank, the main bank for agricultural loans, to the SWIFT bank transfer system; resume the supply of agricultural machinery; and lift restrictions on agricultural insurance.

Along with these three demands, Russia has also demanded the restoration of the ammonia pipeline that connects the Russian town of Togliatti and the Ukrainian Odessa; unlock the assets of accounts linked to the agricultural sector; and facilitate the transport of food and fertilizers.

Likewise, the statement from Russian diplomacy reproaches the United Nations — mediator in the agreement — for denying some Russian complaints about the situation of the agreement, but for not speaking out when Kiev has blocked Russian fertilizer supplies.

“It is worth noting that neither the ongoing blockade of ammonia supplies by Kiev, also prescribed in the agreements, nor the lack of progress in the implementation of the Russia-UN memorandum have provoked a public reaction from the General Secretariat of United Nations”, reproaches the Russian Foreign Ministry.

Russia has been denouncing for weeks that only the part of the pact that benefits Ukraine is being fulfilled, for which reason it has launched harsh criticism of the United Nations – mediator in the pact negotiations – and justified an extension of half the time previously established.