Kremlin says Russia is finding new grain export routes, blames Ukraine for Black Sea disruption
Putin and Erdogan discussed a Turkish plan for Black Sea shipping, with more diplomatic contact expected, the Kremlin says
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Map: The Black Sea, marking Black Sea
The Kremlin said Russia is finding new routes to export its grain and accused Ukraine of causing problems for shipments through the Black Sea. It said Putin and Erdogan discussed a Turkish plan for the Black Sea and agreed to keep talking diplomatically.
Russia has already extended zero export duties on wheat, barley and corn through the end of 2026 after Ukrainian attacks disrupted Black Sea shipping routes. It has also capped export duties on sunflower oil and meal through December.
The grain dispute comes as diplomatic activity between Moscow, Kyiv and Washington picks up. Lavrov and Rubio are set to meet in New York on September 23. Zelenskiy met CIA chief Ratcliffe in Ireland as he prepares for his own meeting with Trump in New York, a meeting Zelenskiy has said the two agreed to hold. Zelenskiy has also said Ukraine is ready for an unconditional ceasefire.
Traders have already priced in the constraints on Russian grain exports. With duties already at zero through next year and Ukraine controlling key chokepoints on Black Sea shipping routes, the new routes and renewed talks with Turkey offer limited relief against structural limits the market already knows about.