Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Vershinin gave a press briefing today on the Black Sea Grain Initiative, pointing to the reality of what is likely to happen next, following Russia’s suspension of participation in the Initiative on July 17. Many of his remarks were reported in a series of articles by TASS during the day. The video of his hour-long briefing was also posted to the Ministry’s Twitter page with English translation (https://twitter.com/mfa_russia/status/1682368718158823425).
Vershinin referred to Türkiye, through whose offices the Initiative was negotiated a year ago. “We have very close interactions with Türkiye, traditional interactions,” he said. “We are also in contact with them now and are exchanging [proposals] about what to do in the current situation.” Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stressed the same thing today, in remarks to the media reported by Reuters.
Vershinin also spoke about what follows, according to Russia’s current policy. Referring to Russian grain and fertilizer export, he said: “It continues but they are not the subject matter of the Black Sea Initiative. It should be understood Russian grain was not exported via the international humanitarian corridor; this referred to the Ukrainian grain only. Therefore, Russian exports of grain that have huge potential—our harvest is excellent for two years in a row—and fertilizers, is to continue and will continue,” the Russian diplomat said. “We are holding contacts, negotiations, making deals; this process continues.”
The minister also addressed Africa: “Concerning the access to African nations, we have very serious contacts with African states in terms of supplies of Russian cargo, including Russian grain. We understand concerns that may arise with our African friends. I want to say these concerns are not merely clear but will be fully addressed,” Vershinin said.
