UN Reiterates Black Sea Grain Deal for 120-Day Extension, while Russia Agrees to Only 60 Days

The Black Sea Grain Initiative is an agreement reached between Ukraine and Russia in July 2022, mediated by the United Nations and Turkey, to ensure safe passage for ships carrying grain and oilseeds, two of Ukraine's most important exports.

"The agreement is open to the public. It calls for a 120-day rollover," said UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric. Russia agreed to a 60-day extension of the Black Sea grain agreement, which expires this weekend.

The Russian state-run news agency RIA reported on Monday, citing Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko, that Russia and the UN had agreed to a 60-day extension of the grain deal following the Geneva talks.

When asked why the deal had not been extended by 120 days, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said on Tuesday that the addition of 60 days was a "goodwill gesture" on Russia's part.

Previously, on November 2, Russia resumed its participation in the Black Sea grain deal after obtaining guarantees from Ukraine that the humanitarian corridor and ports designated for the export of agricultural products would not be used for military purposes.

"The necessary written guarantees from Ukraine on the non-use of the humanitarian corridor and Ukrainian ports designated for the export of agricultural products for military operations against the Russian Federation were obtained and submitted to the Joint Coordination Centre (JCC) on November 1 with the assistance of an international organisation and Turkey," the Russian defence ministry said in a statement.

"The Russian Federation believes that the guarantees received at this time are adequate and resumes implementation of the agreement - the Initiative for the Safe Transportation of Grain and Food from Ukrainian Ports (the Black Sea Initiative)," the statement continued.

The UN-mediated Black Sea Grain Initiative was signed in July during a ceremony in Istanbul. Ships transporting grain from three Ukrainian ports travel along an agreed-upon corridor to markets around the world under the terms of the agreement.