Russian President Vladimir Putin said today that the main goal of the agreement on the export of Ukrainian grain, which expires on July 17, has not been achieved.
Putin said this during a phone conversation with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.
"Putin stressed that the obligations stated in the memorandum between Russia and the UN on the removal of obstacles to the export of Russian food products and fertilizers have not yet been fulfilled," the Kremlin announced.
The President of Russia said that the main goal of the agreement was not achieved - the delivery of grain to countries in need, especially in Africa.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, a mediator between Kiev and Moscow, said on Friday that Putin "agreed" to extend an agreement on Ukrainian grain exports, but the Kremlin denied making any such statement.
On Thursday, Putin expressed regret that "none" of Russia's demands were taken into account during negotiations to extend the deal.
Signed in July 2022 in Istanbul and already renewed twice, the agreement expires at midnight on Monday.
That agreement led to the export of 33 million tons of grain through Ukrainian ports last year despite the conflict.
Bonus video:
