EC calls for continuation of Black Sea Grain Initiative

EU spokesman Peter Stano said this today in Brussels during a press briefing, according to an Ukrinform correspondent.

This is how the spokesperson answered the journalists' question whether the EC is considering lifting sanctions against the Russian Agricultural Bank to allow Russia to extend the Black Sea Grain Agreement.

Peter Stano said that if there had been no criminal aggression by Russia against Ukraine, there would be no need to discuss the Black Sea Grain Initiative. The EC's priorities are in this Initiative, in its continuation, and in the possibility of delivering Ukrainian grain to consumers on the world market. The EC calls on all parties to continue this important initiative. The EC appreciates the negotiations under the leadership of the UN and Türkiye and is ready to consider all solutions that will help to limit Russia's ability to wage an aggressive war against Ukraine as much as possible.

He would not comment on speculation in the press about Russia's demands to lift sanctions against the Russian bank, citing that sanctions are the prerogative of member states and that discussions at the stage of preparing restrictive measures are confidential.

As reported, in July 2022, the EU adopted the sixth package of sanctions against Russia in connection with its war of aggression against Ukraine. The sanctions, in particular, banned the use of SWIFT for three more Russian credit institutions (Sberbank, Credit Bank of Moscow, and Russian Agricultural Bank).

In May of this year, the grain deal was extended for two months, until July 18, 2023. The Ukrainian government claims that the Russian side is actually blocking the grain initiative, including open sabotage of ship inspections stipulated by the agreement. At the same time, Russia is threatening not to extend the Black Sea Grain Initiative any further.