Russia's withdrawal from the grain deal could have serious diplomatic consequences, the US warns

If Russia does not extend the Black Sea Grain Initiative, it will face serious diplomatic consequences. This was stated by Jacob Sullivan, the US National Security Advisor, in an interview with CBS. At the same time, he noted that he had no information about the Russian president's final decision on the grain deal.

Sullivan noted that Vladimir Putin has been actively involved in discussing the initiative in recent months, but it is difficult to predict what decision he will make. The adviser noted that if Russia does withdraw from the agreement, the world will see it as Russia's turning away from supporting countries in the global South, Africa, Latin America and Asia that receive food at affordable prices.

Sullivan warned that this would result in high diplomatic costs for Russia. He also emphasized that the US is ready for any scenario and is actively cooperating with Ukraine on this issue.

As a reminder, the Black Sea Grain Initiative, which was extended for two months in May, expires on July 17. However, in practice, the agreement is no longer in effect, as since June 28, Russia has blocked the approval of new vessels to enter the ports of Odesa region through the Black Sea.

The last vessel within the "grain corridor" departed from Odesa on July 16. Thus, the agreement concluded between the UN, Turkey, Ukraine, and Russia in July 2022 was in effect for a year.

It is worth noting that on July 14, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that Putin agreed to extend the agreement, but this information was not confirmed by the Kremlin, which claimed that it had not made any statements.