Russia In Favour to Revive Black Sea Initiative, says Lavrov | Key Details About Pact

Moscow: Russia is ready to resume ‘more acceptable’ form of Black Sea initiative, said Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Tuesday. 

He mentioned that Moscow is open to a new deal on Black Sea shipping, which was the main topic of discussions with the US yesterday. 

“We are ready to consider not harming Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. We are in favor of resuming Black Sea initiative in ‘more acceptable’ form. Black Sea initiative was discussed on priority in Riyadh and our position is simple that we are not going to take anyone’s word,” Lavrov said.  

However, any new agreement would come with strict conditions, including Russia's right to inspect ships and ensure that empty vessels are not used for transporting weapons, Lavrov said. 

According to reports, Russian President Putin and US President Trump have been briefed on US-Russia talks in Riyadh. 

What is Black Sea Initiative

The Black Sea Grain Initiative aims to address rising food prices caused by supply chain disruptions due to Russia's actions in the world's "breadbasket." 

The agreement, facilitated by the United Nations (UN) and Turkey, was signed in Istanbul in July 2022.

Objectives of Black Sea Deal 

Originally set for 120 days, the deal was designed to create a safe maritime humanitarian corridor for Ukrainian exports, especially food grains. 

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The main goal was to stabilize markets by ensuring a steady grain supply, helping to curb food price inflation.

Why is the Black Sea Grain Initiative Important?

Ukraine is one of the world’s largest exporters of wheat, maize, rapeseed, sunflower seeds, and sunflower oil. 

Its access to deep-sea ports in the Black Sea allows it to directly reach Russia, Europe, and grain importers in the Middle East and North Africa.

Russia withdrew from the agreement in 2023, citing that the U.S. and Ukraine's other international allies had prevented Moscow from exporting certain agricultural products, violating the terms of the deal.