Russian President Vladimir Putin said Saturday that Russia was "ready" for an "unfettered" grain export from Ukraine. He made this assurance in a phone conversation with his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

In a statement, the Kremlin stated that Russia was ready to assist in finding options for the unhindered exporting of grain, including Ukrainian grain from Black Sea ports. The telephone conversation was held against the backdrop of fears about a serious food shortage due to Russia's offensive in Ukraine.