Claiming that Ukraine's grains have been prioritized for European markets, Russia said on March 20 that it is prepared to give grain to Africa if its conditions for the renewal of the Black Sea Grain Initiative are not met. The initiative was extended on March 18 for 60 days. Russia said any further extensions would depend on the removal of Western sanctions.

The grain deal was originally negotiated last July by the United Nations and Turkey in efforts to stave off a global food crisis caused by Russia's invasion of Ukraine last February. Ukraine, Turkey and the United Nations wanted the initiative extended by 120 days.

At a Russia-Africa parliamentary conference in Moscow on March 20, Russian President Vladimir Putin said the Black Sea deal prioritized "well-fed European markets" over African countries, Reuters reported. He added that if the agreement was not renewed, Russia could provide grain free of charge to "especially needy African countries."  

Ukraine exported 6.9 million tons of wheat, 20 percent of which was shipped to African countries, according to Ukraine's Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food. He said 2.67 million tonnes of wheat, or 43 per cent, were transported to poorer countries and those with below-average incomes. The deal, brokered by Turkey and the United Nations, will allow Ukraine, one of the world's largest producers and exporters of wheat and maize, to move millions of tons of grain to the world market through its main Black Sea ports.

Source: Agrolink