The Russian side complains that the sanctions make it difficult for Russian grain and fertilizer traders to process payments and access ships, insurance companies and ports.

Russia wants the West to ease restrictions on state-owned agricultural lender Rosselkhozbank to make it easier to export Russian grain .

Such a statement was made during negotiations on the extension of the agreement on the supply of food from Ukraine, according to four Reuters sources familiar with the request.

According to them, Russia asked Western countries to allow Rosselkhozbank to restore its relations with correspondent banks. Then he will be able to make payments for Russian grain and other food products.

Before the latest sanctions, such payments were handled by international banks and subsidiaries of other Russian banks in Switzerland.

The Russian side said the sanctions make it difficult for Russian grain and fertilizer traders to process payments and access ships, insurance companies and ports.

A UN source on condition of anonymity told the publication that the simplification of payments for Russian food products and fertilizers through Rosselkhozbank is being discussed with the European Union and other parties.

A Western diplomat briefed on the talks said that Turkey was very insistent that Russia abide by the agreement. According to him, Rosselkhozbank participated in the discussions, but had no direct relation to the termination of the agreement and its renewal. 

(C)UNIAN 2022