The Russian government apparently hopes for concessions from the West after returning to the agreement on Ukrainian grain deliveries via the Black Sea. The Moscow government has requested the easing of sanctions against state-owned Rosselkhosbank, four people familiar with the trial told Reuters news agency. Russian agricultural transactions are handled through the bank, among other things.
If the Agrarian Bank were exempted from the sanctions, it would be able to process payments for Russian grain and other foodstuffs at foreign banks again, two of the people named said. The Russian Foreign Ministry and Rosselkhozbank have not yet commented on the matter. The Russian Foreign Ministry had already called in September for sanctions to be lifted against Rosselkhozbank because it “handles the lion’s share of all fertilizer and food transactions”. The West also has an interest in functioning grain exports, as global food prices have risen sharply since the outbreak of the war between Russia and Ukraine. Both countries are among the world’s largest grain exporters.
Russia also wants the blockade of Russian fertilizers in European ports and warehouses to be lifted. In addition, deliveries of ammonia – a feedstock for fertilizers – will resume via a Russian-Ukrainian pipeline.
The UN also urges the removal of the obstacles
The United Nations has previously stated that it is committed to removing barriers to the export of Russian food and fertilizers. A UN official, who wishes to remain anonymous, said talks are underway with the European Union about facilitating payments for Russian food and fertilizer through Rosselkhozbank.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
