Ukraine, Russia Grain Exports Deal Hangs in Balance

According to Reuters, the extension of a deal allowing the safe Black Sea export of Ukrainian grain and fertilizers beyond May 18 hangs in the balance after Russia issued a list of demands linked to a related agreement on its own such exports.

Here are details on the deals brokered by the United Nations and Turkey and signed in Istanbul in July last year, along with Russia's demands and U.N. efforts to appease Moscow.

Brokered by the United Nations and Turkey, the deal has so far allowed Ukraine to safely export more than 30 million tonnes of grain from several of its Black Sea ports.

Under the deal:

• Russia, Ukraine, Turkey and the United Nations set up a Joint Coordination Centre (JCC) in Istanbul, staffed by officials from each party.

• Ukraine can safely export grain and related foodstuffs and fertilizers, including ammonia, from the ports of Odesa, Chernomorsk and Yuzhny.

• All activities in Ukrainian territorial waters are under the authority and responsibility of Ukraine.

• The parties agreed not to undertake any attacks against merchant vessels and other civilian vessels and port facilities covered by the deal.

Read the complete Reuters article here.