Tensions remained over the initiative as Western sanctions against Russia tightened, making it difficult for Russia to export its own agricultural products into the world market. JULY 20, 2023 On Monday, June 17, Dmitry Peskov, the spokesperson for Russia's President Vladimir Putin, announced, "The Black Sea agreements are no longer in effect." Other than the Black Sea ports, Russia has no other safe way to export its ammonia-based fertilizers.