The US State Department believes that in the coming weeks, Russia will likely have less leverage over Ukraine's grain exports through the Black Sea.

According to James O'Brien, head of the State Department's Office of Sanctions Coordination, more ships will be able to leave Ukrainian ports, and rising costs may force Moscow to reconsider its refusal to accept the grain deal.

"Ukraine already has several ships that have left ports and remain in territorial waters," he said.

The second factor, in his opinion, is that Russian attacks on Ukrainian ships will have a negative impact on pricing, which will lead to higher tariffs for insurers, which will increase costs for Russia.

@liveukraine_media