Russia Not Interested in Extending Grain Deal, Says Patrushev

Russia is not interested in continuing the grain deal. Despite the reduction in the grain agreement, the volumes of grain exports have not decreased and have actually increased slightly. This was stated by Dmitry Patrushev, Russia’s Minister of Agriculture, according to RIA Novosti.

“As of mid-December, over 30 million tons of grain have been exported during this agricultural year, which is more than the same period last year,” Patrushev said in response to a question about whether Russia is interested in resuming negotiations on the grain deal.

The minister pointed out that this largely is a political decision; however, Russia will continue to export its grain as it has its buyers.