Russia "Ready To Explore" All Grain Export Options

Reuters carrying comments from Russian Deputy Foreign Minister, Sergei Ryabkov, on the Black Sea grain deal stating that although there has been, "no contact on any alternative grain deal now," Russia is "ready to explore all possibilities."

• Ryabkov said a return to the grain deal is possible when Russian demands are met, adding that Russian President Vladimir Putin said clearly: "Meet our grain demands, and cooperation will be possible."
• According to Putin, Russia "would consider the possibility of returning" to the deal upon the, "withdrawal of sanctions on supplies of Russian grain and fertilisers to world markets."
• US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement this week: "We have consistently made clear, no G7 sanctions are in place on Russian food and fertilizer exports."
• On the free export of grain, Ryabkov said: "We have no agreements yet, but negotiations are ongoing."
• On today's news that Ukraine may explore the possibility of unilaterally guaranteeing shipping, Ryabkov said: "This option is dangerous and impossible to fulfill."
• Ryabkov: "There's no black sea corridor anymore, there are only high risk zones... we need to check if ships pose no danger."