March 2 – BLiTZ. US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, speaking at the G20 summit in New Delhi, said that the food deal should be extended, writes RIA Novosti with reference to the France Press agency.
He called on the G20 countries to work together to extend and expand the grain initiative to strengthen “food security for the most vulnerable.”
The food deal was signed in July 2022 between Russia, Turkey, Ukraine and the UN. Under its terms, grain from Ukraine, as well as food and fertilizers, can be exported from three Black Sea ports, including Odessa. The deal expired in November 2022, but it was automatically extended until March 18 due to no objections from the parties.
The deal provides for the unblocking of Russian exports of food and fertilizer, but the Kremlin has repeatedly pointed out that this condition is not being met.
State Department Spokesperson Price: US asks Russia to agree to extend grain deal
