Putin Holds Ukraine's Grain Export Deal Hostage Until West Meets Moscow's Demands for Agricultural Exports

Russian President Vladimir Putin has stated that a crucial deal allowing Ukraine to export grain safely through the Black Sea will not be restored until the West meets Moscow's demands for its own agricultural exports. The agreement, which was seen as vital for global food supplies, particularly in regions like Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, has remained unresolved since Russia refused to extend it in July.

Putin complained that a parallel agreement to remove obstacles on Russian exports had not been honored. While Ukraine and its Western allies have dismissed the Kremlin's demands as self-serving, Putin's remarks have dashed hopes for a revival of the deal.