There is no positive forecast regarding the negotiation process for the resumption of the Black Sea Grain Initiative before next year, an informed diplomatic source in Ankara told Ria Novosti.
"No, there is no optimism at the moment that the situation will change dramatically and there will be tangible progress (in the talks). But they (negotiations) are continuing through the [United Nations]," the source reportedly noted.
Earlier, Russia objected to the extension of the grain deal, set to expire on July 18, stressing that the deal's terms of supplying grain to the countries in need were not met. According to UN data, while the deal was active, countries in the European Union received 38% (12.4 million tons) of Ukrainian agricultural products and China got 7.96 million tons, leaving Afghanistan, Yemen, Somalia, Sudan and Ethiopia with only 2.3% (768.6 thousand tons) of the products.
