Moscow - After more than two weeks since Russia terminated the Black Sea grain deal that ensured secure transit for Ukrainian vessels carrying grain shipments, there is a glimmer of hope for its revival. The United States has indicated that Russia might be open to resuming discussions concerning the deal, as stated by Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the US envoy to the United Nations.
During a press briefing on Tuesday, Thomas-Greenfield shared that if Russia's initial demands, which had led to the collapse of the agreement, are met, there exists the possibility of the nation reentering the negotiations. She commented, "We have seen indications that they might be interested in returning to discussions. So we will wait to see whether that actually happens."
The aftermath of the deal's termination has witnessed an escalation in conflict between the two sides. Russia initiated missile attacks on Ukrainian port cities such as Odesa and Mykolaiv, resulting in the unfortunate loss of innocent lives. Furthermore, Moscow announced its intention to closely monitor Ukrainian vessels, deeming them potential military targets.
Recent events have unfolded, including Russia's FSB security service turning away a cargo ship destined for the port of Rostov-on-Don after discovering "traces of explosives" on board. In response, Kyiv launched indiscriminate drone attacks on Moscow, potentially contributing to the reopening of negotiations.
The Black Sea grain deal holds paramount importance for Ukraine, a major global exporter of food grains like wheat and corn. Its disruption by Russia's naval blockade of Ukrainian ports led to food grain prices soaring across various regions. In July of the previous year, a deal mediated by Turkey and the United Nations brought relief by lifting the blockade on Ukraine's Black Sea cities. This agreement facilitated the flow of millions of tonnes of wheat and other grains from Ukrainian storage facilities and ports.
Despite several extensions to the deal, Moscow remained dissatisfied with the unmet fulfillment of its demands. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, prior to the deal's cancellation, expressed Russia's reservations, noting that the agreement lacked positive prospects from Moscow's standpoint. He emphasized that goodwill cannot be boundless and that conditions for Russia's return to the deal must be met.
Peskov reiterated this stance on August 1, reasserting that Moscow is prepared to reengage in the grain deal, but only after the conditions specified for Russia are met by the international community. He emphasized the need for these conditions to be fulfilled prior to a swift return to negotiations.