[Goose]

https://twitter.com/jmalsin/status/15501...R5Q3e0cw8Q



Pretty important news, for the whole world really. Hopefully this goes off smoothly.

Amen, both the signing of the agreement and the subsequent execution.

Yes, the grain is needed to feed a lot of people.  I guess my question is why people are up in arms over European consumption of Russian natural gas, but they aren't upset that Russia presumably is getting some of the proceeds from the sale of this grain.  People in Europe need the natural gas to not freeze in the winter.  (Oil is a little different because it's used for more non-essential purposes and because it's feasible to transport oil via ships instead of via pipeline, so I understand the desire for unity on boycotting Russian oil and purchasing replacement oil elsewhere.)

I think most people don't want Russia to benefit but will tolerate that because allowing Ukraine to export grain is even more critical to Ukraine. They are a poor country whose economy is in shambles due to the war. Any real economic activity is a very big deal for them. The fact that this will feed lots of people is an important "side benefit" that accrues independent of who ships the grain. That allows us all to swallow Russia's getting paid.

As I understand it, Russia can export grain and fertilizer right now. Nothing prevents that. However, they can't get paid for it due to sanctions. This agreement provides a mechanism to allow Russia to be paid. Does that match other's understanding?

[Goose]

https://twitter.com/jmalsin/status/15501...R5Q3e0cw8Q



Pretty important news, for the whole world really. Hopefully this goes off smoothly.

Amen, both the signing of the agreement and the subsequent execution.

Yes, the grain is needed to feed a lot of people.  I guess my question is why people are up in arms over European consumption of Russian natural gas, but they aren't upset that Russia presumably is getting some of the proceeds from the sale of this grain.  People in Europe need the natural gas to not freeze in the winter.  (Oil is a little different because it's used for more non-essential purposes and because it's feasible to transport oil via ships instead of via pipeline, so I understand the desire for unity on boycotting Russian oil and purchasing replacement oil elsewhere.)

I think most people don't want Russia to benefit but will tolerate that because allowing Ukraine to export grain is even more critical to Ukraine. They are a poor country whose economy is in shambles due to the war. Any real economic activity is a very big deal for them. The fact that this will feed lots of people is an important "side benefit" that accrues independent of who ships the grain. That allows us all to swallow Russia's getting paid.

As I understand it, Russia can export grain and fertilizer right now. Nothing prevents that. However, they can't get paid for it due to sanctions. This agreement provides a mechanism to allow Russia to be paid. Does that match other's understanding?