Why Putin's Key Objectives in the Grain Deal with Russia and Ukraine Were Not Achieved

The grain deal signed between Russia and Ukraine was intended to be a significant geopolitical move that would not only ease the humanitarian crisis but also benefit Russia economically. However, it appears that not all of Putin's objectives were met.

The Broader Context

The grain deal was not just about facilitating the export of grain, but it was also intended as a means for Russia to export its fertilizers and grains to other markets. The deal was a part of a broader strategy to circumvent the Western sanctions that had been imposed on Russia following its annexation of Crimea and actions in Eastern Ukraine. However, these sanctions were not lifted, leading to a premature termination of the deal.

The Deal's Broader Goals

Understanding the broader goals behind the grain deal is crucial to grasping why it has fallen short. Putin's strategy involved:

Facilitating the export of Ukrainian grain to other markets, which would have alleviated the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine and provided economic benefits to both countries.

Enabling Russia to sell its fertilizers and grains to international markets, thus generating additional revenue.

Securing payment for the stolen Ukrainian grain, a clear violation of the deal.

While the humanitarian aspects were acknowledged, the economic and strategic goals were paramount for Russia. However, these goals were not fully realized due to the unresolved tensions and the persistence of sanctions.

Why the Deal Did Not Meet Putin's Key Objectives

Despite the grain deal's potential benefits, several factors contributed to its failure:

Continued Sanctions: Western countries did not lift the sanctions that had been imposed on Russia. These sanctions significantly impacted Russia's ability to engage in international trade and hindered its agricultural sector's growth.

Attacks on Port Facilities: Since the signing of the deal, Russia has been actively attacking Ukrainian port facilities through which the grain needs to pass. This action derailed the efforts to facilitate the export of grain, undermining the deal's intended outcome.

Theft of Ukrainian Grain: A significant portion of the grain transported under the deal consisted of stolen Ukrainian grain. Despite Putin's claims that the deal would be a win for both Ukraine and Russia, there is evidence suggesting that the stolen grain was sold to fund Russian actions, thereby going against the spirit of the agreement.

Additionally, Putin's mindset, characterized by delusions and warped perspectives, makes it difficult to comprehend his exact motivations fully. It is evident that his actions and statements are often contradictory, further complicating the assessment of his objectives.

Conclusion

The grain deal between Russia and Ukraine was a multifaceted endeavor with broader economic and strategic goals for Russia. However, the failure to lift sanctions, ongoing attacks on Ukrainian port facilities, and the issue of stolen grain have all contributed to the deal not meeting its intended objectives. Understanding these complexities is crucial for comprehending the broader implications of the deal and its impact on the current geopolitical landscape.

Keywords

Grain deal, sanctions, Russian exports, Ukraine