Russia and Ukraine differed on the timing of the extension of the grain agreement. Moscow wants to extend it for 60 days, and Ukraine insists that 120 days is the minimum permissible time.

 This is reported by Reuters.

 A high-ranking representative of the Ukrainian government told the agency that Kyiv will abide by the terms of the agreement signed last year, which provides for an extension of at least 120 days.

 "We will strictly adhere to the agreement," the official said.

 At the same time, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia Oleksandr Hrushko said that the agreement will be extended for 60 days. The Russian source also said that the 60-day extension means that after 60 days, one of the parties can raise the issue of terminating the agreement.

 Ukraine, however, noted that the July agreement clearly states that an extension is possible for at least 120 days, and that the original agreement should be amended if the parties want to shorten the time frame.

 "The Russians realized that 60 days is legally impossible, so they are trying to find a way out," said a high-ranking representative of the Ukrainian government.

 The Black Sea Grains Initiative was approved by the UN and Turkey in July last year and extended for 120 days in November. The term of the agreement, which allows the export of food from the ports of Greater Odessa, expires on March 18.

 Kyiv has stated that it wants to extend the agreement for at least one year and that Ukraine wants to include Mykolaiv ports in it.