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Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said Moscow views its relationship with Türkiye as "dynamic and positive" during a press conference in the Russian capital, while declaring that the Black Sea grain deal has outlived its usefulness and criticizing what he described as contradictory actions by Washington.
Speaking to reporters in Moscow, Ryabkov characterized Russia-Türkiye relations as having untapped potential and emphasized that both countries are just beginning to implement major joint initiatives. The comments come as Moscow seeks to strengthen partnerships amid its international isolation over the Ukraine conflict.
Ryabkov highlighted several significant projects that will form the foundation of economic partnership between Russia and Türkiye in coming years, though he did not specify which initiatives he was referencing. He noted that political dialogue between the two countries remains productive, with all state institutions maintaining active communication and leaders engaged in ongoing discussions.
The deputy foreign minister acknowledged that Russia and Türkiye do not see eye to eye on some international issues, but characterized such disagreements as normal between nations. "Türkiye is one of the countries demonstrating a sensible and constructive approach and trying to establish good partnership," Ryabkov said.
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On the question of reviving the Black Sea Grain Initiative, which allowed Ukrainian grain exports during the conflict, Ryabkov offered a definitive assessment. "The time for the grain deal has passed," he said, while acknowledging that effective work and initiatives in food security remain necessary.
The grain deal, brokered by Türkiye and the United Nations in 2022, collapsed in 2023 after Russia withdrew, citing unfulfilled promises regarding its own agricultural exports. Ryabkov accused the European Union of undermining many initiatives that would improve conditions in food markets, stating that Russia would continue working with countries showing constructive approaches.
Ryabkov expressed frustration with American policy, saying that while the US expresses intent to resolve the Ukraine crisis, it continues supplying weapons and intelligence to Kyiv. He noted recent US sanctions against Russian oil companies Rosneft and Lukoil, and said there has been no progress on returning seized Russian diplomatic properties or launching direct flights between the two countries.
"Despite the US administration's approach to restarting dialogue with Russia and improving bilateral relations, Washington's actions are quite contradictory," Ryabkov said. He emphasized that Russia understands the complexity of the domestic situation in the United States and remains patient, but stressed that Moscow must be certain Washington respects its fundamental interests.
The deputy foreign minister said significant potential exists for economic cooperation, noting that American companies want to return to the Russian market. "We are open to cooperation with the US on issues that will provide mutual benefit," he added.
Regarding Ukraine crisis diplomacy, Ryabkov said Russia is not prepared to publicly discuss various versions and details of plans circulating in Western media. He referenced commitments made at what he called the Anchorage summit, saying Russia remains bound by those outcomes and will continue acting within that framework. He stressed that there can be no compromise on Russian objectives regarding Ukraine, calling the issues addressed at the Anchorage meeting concessions in themselves.
On arms control, Ryabkov recalled that Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed continuing to observe the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START) for one year after its expiration. The treaty, which limits deployed nuclear warheads and delivery systems, represents the last remaining arms control agreement between the US and Russia. Ryabkov said Washington has not yet responded to the proposal, warning that rejection would escalate tensions in the strategic sphere and reduce or eliminate predictability. He emphasized that the US must demonstrate political will on the issue, as the proposal serves the interests of both treaty parties and the broader international community.
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