RUSSIA has disclosed a groundbreaking development in its grain export strategy, with Turkey signing a preliminary agreement to facilitate the shipment of one million metric tonnes of grain to Africa, bolstered by assistance from Qatar. The announcement comes as Moscow reevaluates its grain export arrangements following its withdrawal from a year-long pact with Ukraine in July, which had previously allowed Ukraine to securely transport grain from its Black Sea ports. The primary objective behind these shifts in policy has been to mitigate the surge in global food prices, exacerbated by Russia’s military intervention in Ukraine.
In an effort to address the escalating food price crisis, Russia is now extending offers of free or heavily discounted grain to African nations. This initiative aims to provide relief to regions grappling with food shortages, but the quantities offered are notably lower than those previously shipped by Ukraine.
Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko conveyed Russia’s intentions to the media, stating that negotiations were underway to iron out the technical intricacies of the proposed delivery plan in collaboration with all concerned parties. While Turkey is designated as the exporter of the Russian grain, the precise nature of its involvement remains unclear at this juncture.
Moscow contends that its decision to exit the prior agreement with Ukraine was triggered by the failure of Western nations to eliminate sanctions-related obstacles to Russia’s grain and fertilizer exports. Additionally, Moscow expressed dissatisfaction with the distribution of food resources under the Black Sea Agreement, alleging that insufficient quantities were reaching the world’s most impoverished regions.
Since the termination of the agreement with Ukraine, Russia has faced allegations of using food as a weapon of war, as evidenced by its attacks on Ukrainian grain storage facilities, seaports, and rivers. Western nations and Ukraine have accused Russia of exploiting food supplies in the context of its ongoing military intervention in Ukraine, which Russia refers to as a ‘special military operation.’
This new grain export agreement with Turkey and the involvement of Qatar presents a significant shift in Russia’s approach to addressing global food scarcity. The international community will be closely monitoring developments as Moscow seeks to bolster its presence in the African grain market and address the urgent issue of food insecurity in the region.