Grain Initiative Extension: A Diplomatic Dilemma for Russia

Jake Sullivan, the National Security Adviser to the US President, has issued a stern warning to Russia. He stated that Russia’s failure to extend the Grain Initiative. Which is due to expire on July 17, could lead to substantial diplomatic repercussions.

Sullivan, in his interview with CBS, expressed uncertainty about whether. Russian President Vladimir Putin is prepared to continue with the Grain Initiative Extension.

Putin’s Changing Stance on the Grain Initiative Extension

Sullivan highlighted that Putin has been inconsistent in his views on the Grain Initiative Extension in recent months. He warned, “If Russia pulls out of it, the rest of the world will see Russia as turning its back on ensuring affordable food for countries in the global south, Africa, Latin America, and Asia. This could lead to a significant diplomatic cost for Russia in the context of the Grain Extension.”

Sullivan added that Putin will have to make a decision regarding the Grain Extension, and the US is prepare for any outcome. The US is also closely collaborating with Ukraine on this matter, emphasizing the importance of the Grain Extension.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan recently stated that he and Putin share the same opinion on the Grain Initiative Extension.

However, the Kremlin denied Erdoğan’s statement, adding another layer of complexity to the Grain Extension.

Media reports suggest that the EU considered making concessions to a Russian bank for the sake of the Grain Initiative Extension.

They proposed creating a subsidiary of the sanctioned Rosselkhozbank to restore its connection with SWIFT.

UN Secretary General António Guterres reportedly offered Putin to extend the Grain Initiative in exchange for connecting a subsidiary of Rosselkhozbank.

To the SWIFT international payment system. On July 13, Putin announced the conditions for the Grain Extension.

The US, along with other global players, is closely watching Russia’s next move. The decision on the Grain Initiative Extension will undoubtedly have far-reaching effects on global food security and diplomatic relations.