Kremlin-No Decisions Yet On Reaction To Possible EU Grain Tariffs

Wires reporting comments from Kremlin spox Dmitri Peskov speaking on a number of issues. Regarding the FT reportearlier today claiming that the EU is set to impose tariffs on Russian and Belarusian grain, Peskov says that 'We have seen the report...we need to analyse details and time frame and then will make decisions." Should the EU tariffs come to fruition it would be the first restrictions on Russian food imports since the initial invasion of Ukraine.

• FT: "...according to people familiar with the plans, the European Commission is in coming days expected to impose a €95-per-tonne duty on cereals from Russia and Belarus. That would increase prices by at least 50 per cent, the people said, eradicating demand. Tariffs of 50 per cent would also be placed on oil seeds and derived products."
• The Commission is believed to favour tariffs rather than sanctions as the former do not require unanimity at the Council, but only a qualified majority vote (55% of member states representing 65% of EU pop.).
• The FT notes that while Russian grain accounts for only 1% of total EU consumption, the amount imported has actually increased over the course of the war.
• On NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg's visit to the South Caucuses, Peskov says "Attempts by NATO to expand its presence in the region are unlikely to contribute to stability."
• On President Vladimir Putin's reported visit to China, says "Several high-level contacts are being prepared." Putin will speak at the Federal Security Service (FSB) later today.