Uncertainty looms over Black Sea grain exports as Russia and Ukraine face obstacles.

Romania has opted against a unilateral ban on food imports from Ukraine, improving Kyiv's prospects of unblocking grain shipments to Eastern Europe. However, there was no apparent progress on extending a deal on Black Sea exports. Russia has said extending last July’s agreement beyond a May 18 deadline depends on the West lifting restrictions it says hinder Moscow’s agricultural exports. Grain sales are a vital revenue source for Kyiv, and food import bans imposed by four EU member states in Eastern Europe over the last week have increased Ukraine’s concerns about its food exports.