On March 18, 2022 ( i.e. 3 weeks after the invasion of Ukraine ), a grain agreement was concluded between the UN on the one hand and Russia, Ukraine and Turkey on the other hand in order to ensure safe shipping of grain, food and fertilizer from Ukraine and thus avoid global supply problems. This agreement was valid until November 2022 and was then extended until March 25, 2023.
For those to who it would not yet be clear : there have never been grain shortages in Europe. Zelensky's whole circus about Russia allegedly blocking the ports and preventing the transport of grain (which Russia has always vigorously contested) was a pure fabrication. The 80,000 tons of grain in Ukrainian silos ( harvest of 2021 ) was shipped freely. The prices of flour, pasta and all other grain preparations have been artificially driven up. The same goes for sunflower oil. There have never been shortages of this either.
Meanwhile, Russia has already agreed to a 60-day extension of the grain agreement, but Ukraine and the West want a 120-day extension. The UN, the EU and Kiev do not agree with a short extension of 2 months because such a short term does not offer stability.
On March 23, 2023, UN chief Antonio Guterres went to Brussels to discuss the grain deal with EU leaders.
According to a UN statement, Guterres' meeting with EU leaders provided "a good opportunity to discuss pressing global issues, including the Russian invasion of Ukraine and its far-reaching consequences, the climate emergency and growing global inequality."
Russia is reportedly seeking to increase pressure on the West to ease sanctions in exchange for a further extension of a grain deal crucial to global food security. EU diplomats reportedly stated that they believe the best strategy is not to give in to what they call Russian blackmail;
This is yet another lie. Russia has not asked for an easing of sanctions. Putin does not care about the sanctions that have no effect on the Russian economy. He is doing his own thing. With success, by the way. The Russian economy and agriculture are thriving, more gas and petroleum is being exported than before the sanctions, and the value of the ruble has risen sharply.
Where the shoe pinches in reality, is that Putin is demanding a fairer distribution of grain. As he stated before 40 African leaders on March 20, 2023, he regrets that Africa gets only 3% of Ukraine's grain while the EU takes 43% and has made clear that it actually wants 100%.
Since there are huge shortages in Africa, Putin has expressed his willingness to supply the continent with Russian grain for free to cover the needs.
The EU is not pleased with the way things go, so stories are being made up again. Upon his arrival in Brussels, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said the bloc "wants to ensure that Russia's terrible war of aggression against Ukraine does not lead to food insecurity in the world." "We must ensure that grain exports, for example from Ukraine, can continue," Scholz said.
Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas said Russia has 18 ports it can use for its exports and that only 13 of Russia's 300 banks have sanctions imposed.
Softening sanctions would be "very wrong," said Ms. Kallas, one of Europe's most outspoken supporters of Ukraine.
"The aggressor only understands force. If we weaken sanctions, we go along with their narrative." The aggressor only understands force. If we weaken sanctions, we go along with their narrative and we should not do that."
Germany hopes that grain agreement remains extended, it is of great importance. Scholz only fears that Europe will not be able to claim all the grain for itself if Russia decides not to extend the agreement any longer.
So, if the grain agreement is not extended after the expiry of the 60 days term, who's fault will be it be ? Putin's of course.
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