Russian President Vladimir Putin is ready to negotiate on the grain currently blocked in Ukrainian ports, as stated by Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer after their telephone conversation on Friday.
Moscow has shown some flexibility in addressing the issue of Russia blocking Ukrainian grain exports. Putin has indicated his willingness to allow exports through seaports, Nehammer said. However, the ports involved would likely have to be cleared of mines laid for defense purposes, Nehammer said.
Putin told Nehammer that there is no reason to blame Russia for food supply problems. The war on Ukraine has led to a significant increase in food prices on world markets.
In Russia, the Ministry of Agriculture confirmed the preliminary forecast for the grain harvest and promised to export at least 50 million tons of grain if this result is achieved.
Currently, the ministry is forecasting a harvest of 130 million tons. With this result, we can export 50 million tons, Deputy Agriculture Minister Oxana Lut said Friday at the Russian Grain Forum, according to the Interfax news agency.