Russia to reimburse African countries over grain deal

JOHANNESBURG - Russia says it will reimburse African countries for any grain lost by Russia's decision to exit the grain deal.

Moscow had for months complained that a related agreement on allowing the export of Russian food and fertilisers had not been honoured.

Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister, Sergey Vershinin, says countries in need would receive the necessary assurances at a summit later this month.

READ: Ukraine says Russia targeting grain sites after deal exit

These comments come days after Russia exited the landmark grain deal that allowed the safe passage of cargo ships carrying Ukrainian grain from Black Sea ports.

Russian President Vladimir Putin this week said that Russia would consider returning to the deal if its demands are fully met.

He says the agreement had "lost all meaning".