Blinken urges Russia to return to grain deal implementation

MOSCOW/WASHINGTON, Jul 18 (PRIME) -- The U.S. insists that the Black Sea Grain Initiative be prolonged as soon as possible, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said late on Monday.

The official called Russia's decision to withdraw from the deal "unconscionable".

Russia terminated the Black Sea Grain Initiative on Monday, but promised a return when its conditions are met.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova suggested that Western countries pay for repairs on the Tolyatti–Odessa ammonia pipeline on the Ukrainian territory to meet Russia's condition of fertilizer exports to restart the grain deal.

"If the West says that this (Black Sea Initiative) is a crucial issue, they may chip in and repair the ammonia pipeline," she said.

White House Strategic Communications Coordinator John Kirby said that he was unaware of any U.S. negotiations with Russia over possible prolongation of the deal. At the same time, Washington was discussing the problem with counterpartners in the U.N., allies and partners.

The U.S. is not considering easing sanctions against Russia to get it back to the agreement, he said.

A financial market source told PRIME that the deal refusal by Russia will not affect the ship insurance terms.

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