EU not re-connect Russian Agricultural Bank to SWIFT as part of grain deal
The European Union will not lift sanctions on Russian Agricultural Bank (RusAg), even though it was Russia's main demand in the grain deal extended last week, said lead EU spokesperson for foreign affairs and security policy Peter Stano.
Stano noted that the restrictions could be eased or lifted only after the conflict in Ukraine is over.
In his view, the unimpeded trade flow, as well as food and agricultural exports from Russia through the Black Sea are only hindered by the hostilities,
not by Brussels' sanctions.
The Black Sea Grain Initiative struck in the summer of 2022 between Russia, Ukraine, Türkiye and the UN involves opening ports in Ukraine to export agricultural products and unblocking Russian food and fertilizer exports.
Moscow has repeatedly criticized the implementation of the export part of the deal.
Last week, Russia extended the grain deal unchanged but promised to halt its implementation after July 17 if its demands are not met. The EU, on the other hand, said this would only exacerbate already serious global food security problems.
EU: The Art of the Deal
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