Russia confirms Black Sea grain deal renewed for two months, says 'distortions' remain

Liberia-flagged bulker K Sukret, carrying grain under UN's Black Sea grain initiative, waits for inspection in the southern anchorage of Istanbul, Turkey May 17, 2023. REUTERS/Mehmet Emin Caliskan

(Reuters) - Russia confirmed on Wednesday that a deal to allow Ukraine to export its grain safely across the Black Sea, despite Russia's war in Ukraine, had been extended for two months.

Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said the deal had been extended to help countries in need, but added that Russia's overall assessment of the situation regarding the deal had not changed.