Attempts to continue grain deal without Russia risky – Peskov

Attempts to continue the grain agreement without Russia’s participation will lead to risks, as the grain corridor is adjacent to the war zone and is being used by Kyiv itself for military purposes, Dmitry Peskov, the Russian president’s spokesperson said on Tuesday. 

He claimed the issue “needs a comment” from the Russian military, as it concerned the area adjacent to hostilities.

“Without appropriate security guarantees, certain risks will arise there. Therefore, if something is signed without Russia, then these risks should be considered. We cannot say to what extent and which countries are ready for these risks”, he said. 

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Monday said he had offered the UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, and the President of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, to continue the grain agreement without the participation of Russia. 

The deal was brokered by the Turkish president and the UN last year. Moscow said earlier this week it withdrew from the deal, claiming its demands had not been considered.