Black Sea Grain Initiative: Navigating Diplomatic Waters

Russia and the U.S. discuss resuming the Black Sea Grain Initiative, focusing on navigation safety and addressing past unmet obligations. Russia seeks to improve conditions for its food and fertilizer exports hindered by logistical and financial barriers. The talks aim to revive the agreement amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.

Moscow has confirmed discussions with the U.S. on reviving the Black Sea Grain Initiative, focusing on ensuring safe merchant shipping routes. The "Black Sea Initiative" is a central topic in Saudi Arabia talks involving Russian and U.S. officials on Monday.

The original grain agreement, mediated by Turkey and the U.N. in July 2022, allowed a massive export of Ukrainian grain amid war conditions. Russia exited the deal in 2023, citing logistical barriers and export challenges for its food and fertilizers, despite no sanctions specifically targeting these goods.

Further talks aim at addressing Russia's demands, including resuming ammonia exports and reconnecting its agricultural bank to SWIFT. Both nations acknowledge the need to resolve the Ukrainian conflict, but intricate aspects remain unresolved.

(With inputs from agencies.)