Russia ready to rejoin grain deal if all obligations to country fulfilled - Putin

MOSCOW. Aug 22 (Interfax) - Russia stands ready to rejoin the grain deal only if all obligations to the country are implemented, Russian President Vladimir Putin said.

"Since July 18, we have refused to extend this so-called deal further. We will be ready to rejoin it. But we will return only if all obligations to the Russian side are truly fulfilled," Putin said, addressing the participants of the BRICS Business Forum.

"None of the conditions of the so-called deal concerning the lifting of sanctions on Russian grain and fertilizer exports to world markets have been implemented. Obligations to Russia in this regard were simply disregarded," he said.

Russia is able to replace Ukrainian grain both on a commercial basis and as free aid to needy countries, Putin said.

"An excellent harvest is again expected this year. As a first step, we have decided to send 25,000-50,000 tonnes of grain to each of the six African countries free of charge, ensuring among other things the free delivery of these supplies. Negotiations with our partners are being completed," Putin said.