Moscow: Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated on Tuesday that Russia is in favor of resuming the Black Sea Initiative in a format that is "more acceptable to all parties."

According to Anadolu Agency, Lavrov emphasized in an interview with Russian media that the topic was significant during recent Russian-US discussions held in Saudi Arabia. Lavrov expressed Russia's willingness to restart the initiative in a manner that is agreeable to everyone involved.

Lavrov highlighted a major challenge for reviving the deal, pointing to a lack of trust in Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. He explicitly noted, "Our position is simple -- we cannot take this man's word for it." The minister underscored Russia's aim for a stable and predictable market for grain and fertilizers, stressing the importance of protecting Russia's interests from being sidelined by external influences.

Additionally, Lavrov voiced concerns over the food crisis plaguing Africa and other Global South nations, attributing it to Western interference in global trade mechanisms. The Black Sea Initiative, also referred to as the 'grain deal,' facilitated the export of Ukrainian grain via Black Sea ports while removing sanctions that impeded Russian agricultural products and fertilizer exports. However, the Russian commitments in the deal were not fully realized, prompting Moscow to decline an extension in July 2023.