The US Department of State has reviewed the factors that could lead to Russia's ability to influence Ukraine's grain exports through the Black Sea. This was reported by Reuters.


According to the publication, the number of ships that can leave Ukrainian ports is increasing and costs are rising, which may force Moscow to reconsider its refusal to sign the grain deal.


"Ukraine already has several ships that have left the ports and remain in territorial waters," said James O'Brien, head of the US State Department's Office of Sanctions Coordination.


The second factor is that Russia's attacks on Ukrainian ships have a negative impact on prices, which could lead to higher insurance rates, which in turn would increase costs for Russia.


"Over the next few weeks, I think the factors that made Russia believe it would benefit from withdrawing from the (Black Sea Grain) initiative will change," he concluded.