UNO: During a meeting with Sergei Lavrov, the foreign minister of Russia, on Monday in New York, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres outlined a "way forward" for expanding Ukrainian grain exports, the UN said.
According to a statement from the Secretary General's office, Guterres gave Lavrov "a letter to President Vladimir Putin, outlining a proposed way forward aimed at the improvement, extension, and expansion" of the agreement.
Since last July, a deal has been in place allowing grain from Ukraine to be exported via the Black Sea after it was previously prohibited due to the conflict with Russia. The exports are essential for ensuring the global food supply.
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The statement also said that a similar letter was sent to Ukraine and Turkey, the other two signatories to the agreement. On March 19, the agreement, referred to as the "Black Sea Grain Initiative," was renewed once more.
Over objections to barriers to its own exports, Russia insisted on a 60-day renewal rather than a 120-day renewal. Moscow stated earlier this month that in order for Russia to extend it past May 18, a number of requirements must be satisfied.
Although Russian exports of food and fertiliser to foreign markets are not subject to sanctions, there are issues with the secondary sanctions imposed on banks, shipping, and insurance firms.
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The Russian Agricultural Bank (Rosselkhozbank) had to be permitted to re-join the SWIFT payment network, among other requirements set forth by the foreign ministry, in order for the agreement to be extended.
The statement stated that deliveries of agricultural equipment, spare parts, and services must also resume. According to Guterres, he "took note of the concerns expressed by Russia" in relation to the fertilisers.
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In remarks made public by his ministry, Lavrov stated, "We will study the ideas that (the Secretary general) has given us on paper," adding, "So far, there has not been much progress."