Reuters exclusively reports VTB asks for Putin’s help to create Russian grain champion

Reuters exclusively reported that Russian state-controlled bank VTB has asked President Vladimir Putin to help it create a Russian grain champion to curb the role of foreign traders and give the state greater control over exports. Russia has become increasingly concerned about food security and reducing its reliance on imports since Western sanctions were imposed in 2014 following Moscow’s annexation of Crimea so has an interest in having a tighter grip on its grain markets.