Washington prepares new economic concessions to Moscow over fertiliser exports

Washington offers economic incentives to Moscow

US President Donald Trump is considering further easing of sanctions pressure on Russia. Following a recently reached agreement on diesel fuel, the US administration is preparing to make concessions in the area of Russian fertiliser exports. This is being done in the hope of persuading Moscow to end the war against Ukraine.

Ukrainian officials are expressing concern that Washington may reach an agreement specifically concerning the fertiliser industry.

Industry status and potential changes

It is noted that the fertiliser production industry itself is not subject to direct US sanctions. Washington has previously not imposed bans on the import of these goods. However, as a senior Ukrainian official noted, a potential deal could involve lifting restrictions on vessels, companies, banks and individuals associated with the industry.

History of negotiations on the agri-sector

The Russian side has long demanded easing of restrictions affecting agricultural product exports. Moscow claims that banking, insurance and transport barriers limit its access to markets.

This issue was raised during negotiations on the Black Sea Grain Initiative in 2022. At that time, Western governments emphasised that the export of Russian food products and fertilisers was not subject to direct sanctions.

Position of Ukrainian intelligence

A representative of Ukrainian intelligence commented on the situation for Kyiv Independent:

"Історія з добривами досить давня, і росіяни намагалися її проштовхнути вже давно. Вони завжди лобіювали відмову від добрив у контактах з американцями та європейцями. Насправді вони вийшли з Чорноморської зернової ініціативи через відсутність прогресу в питанні добрив". (The story with fertilisers is quite old, and the Russians have been trying to push it through for a long time. They have always lobbied for the lifting of restrictions on fertilisers in contacts with Americans and Europeans. In fact, they withdrew from the Black Sea Grain Initiative due to a lack of progress on the fertiliser issue.)

Unknown details of the future deal

Ukrainian officials fear that Washington may be ready to offer Moscow concessions on an issue that Russia has been trying to resolve for several years. Currently, the details of a possible fertiliser deal remain unknown. Sources did not name any specific sanctions that the US might lift.