The administration of US President Donald Trump may consider easing targeted sanctions against Russian banks, companies, vessels and individuals linked to the export of mineral fertilisers, the Kyiv Independent reported on 23 October, citing Ukrainian and American officials. In Kyiv, it is believed that such concessions prior to a lasting ceasefire could provide Moscow with additional revenue without altering its military plans.<\/p>\n
Briefly about the main points<\/strong><\/p>\n USA<\/a> did not introduce direct sectoral sanctions<\/a> against the production or export of Russian mineral fertilisers, nor have they imposed a blanket ban on their import. Therefore, according to the publication\u2019s sources, any potential review would apply to specific participants in foreign trade.<\/p>\n Restrictions on banks handling international payments relating to the shipping sector \u2013 including companies, vessels and shipping firms \u2013 as well as Russian businessmen subject to sanctions, may be subject to potential easing. Sources at the Kyiv Independent did not specify which particular restrictions might be reviewed.<\/p>\n Journalists contacted the White House for comment, but had not received a reply at the time of publication.<\/p>\n For years, Moscow has insisted on easier access for Russian fertilisers and agricultural produce to international markets. This was one of the key issues in the negotiations on the Black Sea Grain Initiative, concluded in July 2022 with the mediation of the UN and Turkey.<\/p>\n Russian food and fertilisers were not subject to general Western sanctions, but Moscow cited obstacles relating to bank payments, cargo insurance and maritime transport. In July 2023, Russia withdrew from the grain deal, citing, amongst other things, a failure to meet the requirements regarding its agricultural exports.<\/p>\n A representative of the Ukrainian intelligence services confirmed to the Kyiv Independent that Russia had been raising the issue of fertilisers in its dealings with the US and European countries for many years.<\/p>\n\n
This refers to targeted restrictions, not a ban on fertilisers<\/h2>\n
Russia has long been raising the issue of fertiliser access to the global market<\/h2>\n
Kyiv links the risk of concessions to the agreement on diesel<\/h2>\n