G7 backs extension, expansion of grain deal

The Group of Seven has called for the "extension, full implementation and expansion" of the Black Sea Grain Initiative signed last year to help Ukraine export its grain through the sea corridor.

That’s according to a communiqué released by the Group's agriculture ministers Saturday, Ukrinform reports, referring to Reuters.

The communique came amid news that the grain deal is under threat from Russia, which is sabotaging the initiative.

In the document agreed after a two-day meeting in the Japanese city of Miyazaki, the G7 agriculture ministers "recognised the importance" of the agreement, saying: "We strongly support the extension, full implementation and expansion of (the Black Sea Grain Initiative) BSGI."

"We condemn Russia's attempts to use food as a means of destabilisation and as tool of geopolitical coercion and reiterate our commitment to acting in solidarity and supporting those most affected by Russia’s weaponisation of food,” communique reads.

The document also states that G7 members are ready to support Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction, including by providing expert assistance in farmland demining and reconstruction of agricultural infrastructure.

As reported, the Ukrainian side stated that the grain agreement should be expanded, making it open-ended. It also called for expanding the deal to also include the ports in Mykolaiv region.