Putin Balks At Black Sea Grain Deal, Keeps Zelensky Waiting For Renewal; ‘Goal Not Implemented…’

Russian President Vladimir Putin sounded a downbeat note on the Black Sea grain deal as the deadline nears. The Russian President discussed the deal with his South African counterpart Cyril Ramaphosa. According to the Kremlin, during the call, Putin told Ramaphosa that the Black Sea grain deal goal was not achieved. Russia is reportedly furious about obstacles to its own exports of food and fertilisers and has threatened to pull out of the grain deal.