Black Sea: Germany urges Russia to restore grain exports

German and Russian foreign ministers spoke on Saturday, September 26, in New York for the first time since the start of the invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Berlin used this exchange to call for swift progress on grain exports via the Black Sea, disruptions of which particularly affect importing countries in the Global South.

Johann Wadephul urged Sergey Lavrov to do everything possible to reach an agreement on grain shipments, according to Reuters. The two ministers also discussed the war in Ukraine and the state of relations between their countries, which have been frozen for four years.

The German minister advocated for an immediate and complete ceasefire, prioritizing grain exports and energy infrastructure. He suggested that a pragmatic solution on this issue could lead to other concrete advancements.

This initiative addresses a concern that extends beyond Europe. The German Foreign Ministry had warned on September 23 that attacks on Ukrainian ports were limiting the transport of an otherwise abundant harvest. Berlin emphasizes that the resulting shortages primarily impact Southern countries reliant on imports.

Sergey Lavrov indicated that Russia is discussing proposals with India, Egypt, and Turkey aimed at securing navigation in the Black Sea. However, he called for separate discussions with Ukraine, which he accuses of attacking ships. Kyiv, for its part, claims to be open to agreements and attributes the disruptions to the Russian invasion.

The contact between the two ministers comes amid heightened bilateral tensions following a drone incident at Leipzig/Halle Airport in August. Berlin holds Moscow responsible, a claim the Russian embassy denies. No agreement was announced following the meeting.