Russia

The future of an important grain deal between Russia and Ukraine remains uncertain. But Russia may be close to a deal that would secure free grain for six African countries, according to President Vladimir Putin on Monday when he received Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Russia. “We are close to concluding agreements with six African countries under which we intend to provide food for free,” Putin told a news conference in the Russian city of Sochi after a meeting between the presidents. He said that “deliveries will begin in the next few weeks”. Russia has previously promised to send up to 50,000 tonnes of grain to each of the African countries. However, the amount is not enough to make much difference for the countries, Reuters has previously reported. Putin has said several times in the past that he is open to discussing the grain deal that until July this year had provided for the export of Russian and Ukrainian grain. /ritzau/