Russia’s conditions regarding the Black Sea Grain Initiative have not been fulfilled; President Vladimir Putin told his South African counterpart Cyril Ramaphosa in a phone call on Saturday.

Moscow’s Demand for End to Export Restrictions

Moscow is demanding an end to restrictions on Russian food and fertilizer exports, but this condition has not been met, the Kremlin said during the call on Saturday.

Possible Suspension of the Grain Deal

The grain deal runs out on Monday. It could also be suspended until Russia sees its conditions fulfilled.

UN and Türkiye Call for Agreement Continuation

The United Nations and Türkiye also called on Putin to continue with the agreement. They brokered the original deal last summer, which has been extended several times.

Fears of Ukrainian Grain Shortages

There have been fears since Russia blockaded Ukraine’s Black Sea ports that shortages of Ukrainian grain could lead to hunger around the world, as Ukraine is one of the world’s biggest grain exporters.

Main Goal of Supplying African Nations Not Met

During the call initiated by Ramaphosa, Putin further said the agreement’s main goal, to supply African nations in need, had also not been met, the Kremlin said.

Impact of Western Sanctions on Russia

Moscow has repeatedly complained that the West has failed to ease sanctions on Russia imposed in an attempt to halt the Ukraine war.

The punitive measures targeting the state-owned Russian Agricultural Bank mean Russia cannot export its own grain and fertilizer to the desired extent. The sanctions also affect freight insurance.

Deadline for Resolution

Russia recently said the West had a whole year to resolve this issue.