AlwaysFree: Russia Will Opt For Grain Deal Extension — Expert

• It is possible that new sanctions of the West can be introduced against Russia if the deal is not extended

According to TASS, Russia's state-owned news agency article published on October 19, 2022, Russia will support the extension of the grain deal despite certain grievances in respect of its implementation because its action gives a change for lifting of restrictions on Russian agricultural produce and fertilizer export, Deputy Director of the Centre for Comprehensive European and International Studies Dmitry Suslov told TASS.

The main reason for Moscow to extend this agreement is the Russia’s interest in export of agricultural products to international markets and relevant negotiations are underway, the expert said. "Keeping this deal and the time left before its end is a good opportunity to achieve lifting of such restrictions, since if the deal is not renewed, then export of Russian agricultural products will remain hindered," Suslov noted.

The expert at the same time reminded about points raised earlier by Russian leaders. "The grain deal is not implemented as it was designed. Firstly, the overwhelming portion of Ukrainian grain is not going to poor developing countries and, secondly, the issue of export of Russian agricultural products and Russian fertilizers is not solved. The deal is working for less than a half, for about a quarter, that is, Ukrainian grain is exported but not to where it should go and restrictions on Russian export are not lifted," Suslov said.

It is possible that new sanctions of the West can be introduced against Russia if the deal is not extended. Certain other reasons making possible to conclude that Moscow intends to renew the agreement are to keep positive relations with Turkey and improve dialog with African countries, to which agricultural products will be supplied, the expert added.

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