The United States is not considering lifting anti-Russian sanctions in exchange for assistance in exporting grain from Ukraine. This was announced on May 26 by White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre.
At a briefing for journalists, she answered negatively to the question of whether the White House is discussing the lifting of sanctions against Russia if it helps to transport grain from Ukraine.
“Not. There are none,” she said.
According to the representative of the White House, the difficulties in exporting food from Ukraine arose because of Russia’s actions.
“This is the work of Russia. This is in Russia,” she stressed.
According to her, the sanctions of the United States, their allies and partners do not prevent the export of Ukrainian or Russian agricultural products, including products, as well as fertilizers. In addition, the restrictions do not interfere with the normal transactions required for these exports, such as banking or shipping, the White House spokeswoman assured.
In conclusion, the White House press secretary demanded that Russia ensure the possibility of exporting Ukrainian grain through the Black Sea ports.
Earlier Thursday, Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov responded to accusations against Russia by Western countries of blocking grain supplies. According to him, the West itself took measures that led to the blocking of grain supplies from Ukraine to Africa.
A day earlier, the UK opposed the lifting of anti-Russian sanctions in exchange for unblocking the export of grain from Ukraine. In addition, Britain said that the authorities are in the process of agreeing with their allies on a possible plan to send warships to the Black Sea port of Odessa. This is necessary in order to provide protection to ships that are engaged in the export of Ukrainian grain.
Deputy Foreign Minister Andrei Rudenko, in turn, pointed out that the solution to the food crisis in the world requires the lifting of anti-Russian sanctions that hinder free trade in food products, including wheat and fertilizers.
On May 11, food wheat prices almost reached $400 per 1 ton on the Chicago Commodity Exchange. The day before, grain futures quotes reached $396 per 1 ton on this trading floor. They grew by 2% compared to the previous day. Quotes began to rise from the end of April – beginning of May.