He wanted to "buy" Africa: Putin explodes with new grain deal threats. Video.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that Russia may leave the grain deal after 60 days following its extension on March 18. The reason for this is his dissatisfaction with the fact that 45% of the total volume of grain exported by Ukraine allegedly goes to "well-fed Europe", while only 3% goes to "hungry Africa". After withdrawing from the agreements, Putin intends to supply Africa with the grain that was under-received from Ukraine free of charge.

"Almost 45% went to well-fed European countries - despite the fact that the deal was served under the sauce that we needed to ensure the interests of African countries. If we decide not to extend the agreement in 60 days, we will be ready to supply the entire volume that has been directed to the most needy African countries over the past time free of charge," Putin said, speaking at the Russia-Africa in a Multipolar World parliamentary conference.

He also assured that Russia is ready to give Africa some of the resources frozen in Europe, including fertilisers, free of charge. However, Putin complained, the country cannot do so because it is being "hindered".

According to the Russian president, Russia allegedly agreed to extend the grain deal "based on the needs of African countries, first and foremost". That is why, according to him, the Kremlin is demanding a "package deal" for this agreement.

"We insist on full compliance with Russia's key demands. First and foremost, that grain and fertilisers go to needy African states, not to well-fed European countries," Putin said.

Russia sets conditions

The Russian government has also threatened to leave the grain deal. It promises to do so if Russia's conditions are not met, including the resumption of the Togliatti-Odesa ammonia pipeline. Among other demands:

• reconnecting Rosselkhozbank to SWIFT;
• resumption of supplies of agricultural machinery, spare parts and service;
• lifting restrictions on insurance and reinsurance of vessels carrying Russian food and fertilisers, as well as lifting the ban on access to ports for such vessels;
• unblocking foreign assets and accounts of Russian companies related to the production and transportation of food and fertilisers.

As OBOZREVATEL previously reported, Infrastructure Minister Oleksandr Kubrakov said that the grain deal had been extended for 120 days. At the same time, the Russian Foreign Ministry had previously stated that the agreement had been extended for only 60 days, although the text of the document refers to a period twice as long.

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