Russia Agrees To Extend Ukraine Grain Deal For 60 Days

Russia has agreed to renew the Ukraine grain export deal but only for another 60 days.

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Vershinin announced this following talks with the United Nations on Monday.

He said in a statement; "The Russian side does not object to another extension of the 'Black Sea Initiative' after its second term expiration on March 18, but only for 60 days."

The United Nations and Russian officials on Monday began negotiations on the extension of the deal allowing the export of grain from Ukraine's Black Sea ports.

The Black Sea Grain Initiative, brokered by Turkey and the U.N. is aimed to prevent a global food crisis by allowing Ukrainian grain to be safely exported from three ports.

The deal was extended for 120 days in November and will renew on March 18 if no party objects.

Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February last year saw Ukraine's Black Sea ports blocked.

This was blocked until a deal signed in July allowed for the safe passage of exports of critical grain supplies.

Ukraine has so far exported nearly 24 million tons of foodstuff to those in need under the deal.