Putin Won’t Renew Grain Deal Until Demands Are Met

RUSSIA – Russian President Vladimir Putin says a landmark deal that allowed Ukraine to export grain safely through the Black Sea amid the war will not be restored until the west meets Moscow’s demands on its own agricultural exports.

Putin’s remarks on Monday dashed hopes his talks with the Turkish president could revive the agreement, seen as vital for global food supplies, especially in Africa, the Middle East and Asia.

Russia refused to extend the deal in July, complaining a parallel agreement promising to remove obstacles to Russian exports of food and fertilizer hadn’t been honored.