World leaders are trying to get Russia to let Ukraine export grain that the world needs, but some in the Biden administration are skeptical of the efforts.
The Russian navy is blockading Ukrainian ports and preventing the export of more than 20 million tons of grain, plus fertilizer and other commodities. The United Nations and other entities are negotiating with Russia to allow the grain to reach world markets.
However, the Biden administration is pushing back against comments from Russian president Vladimir Putin and others that Russia might lift the blockade if the U.S. and the West lift economic sanctions that were imposed on Russia at the start of the invasion. A U.S. official described this offer to Politico as “extortion diplomacy.”
U.S. officials also point out that there is no obstacle to Russia exporting its own grain or fertilizer, which would not be covered under the current sanctions.
