Putin Says Moscow Ready to Export Grain from Ukrainian Ports

Russian President Vladimir Putin affirmed that Moscow is ready to export fertilizers and foods if the West lifted sanctions, the Kremlin’s press service announced on Monday.

During a telephone conversation with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Putin stressed that they are willing to export grain from Ukrainian ports.

"In the light of problems on the global food market occurred in consequence of the unwise financial and economic policy of Western states, it was confirmed that Russia can export considerable volumes of fertilizers and agricultural produce in case relevant anti-Russian sanction restrictions are lifted," the statement read.

The two leaders discussed the situation in Ukraine with the focus on providing safe navigation in the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov and eliminating the mine threat in their water areas, according to the Kremlin.

"Putin noted readiness of the Russian side to facilitate unobstructed seaborne transit of goods in coordination with Turkish partners. This also pertains to export of grain from Ukrainian ports," the statement added.