Vladimir Putin, the President of Russia, said that Russia would continue to export large quantities of grain next year despite Western sanctions initiated by the Russian offensive in Ukraine.
Putin said, “Last year, as you know, there was a historically record harvest of 158 million tons (of cereals). This year it will also be very big with over 130 millions.”
He continued, “Russia is likely to retain the first place in the world in wheat exports. Our grain exports will also be the same as last year with not less than 50-60 million tons.”
Putin was taking part in a meeting of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), an organization gathering some post-Soviet states.
Putin said, “Our friends and colleagues in the CIS have needs (for Russian grain), all of which will be fulfilled.”
The Russian leader in early September said that his country was nearing a deal that would secure free grain to six African nations.
Simultaneously Russia has been complaining that the Western countries are levying indirect restrictions on its grain and fertiliser exports by limiting its access to global payment systems and insurance.
It said these hindrances pushed it to withdraw from a deal designed to ensure safe grain exports via the Black Sea.
