Uralkali (LSE: URKA, "the Company") CEO and Board member Vladislav Baumgertner, who travelled to Belarus at the invitation of the Belarusian Prime Minister Mikhail Myasnikovich, remains in custody. According to the Company's latest information, he has the status of an arrested person and is kept at the Belarusian KGB pre-trial detention centre.

The Company continues to refute all charges brought by the Investigation Committee of the Republic of Belarus against Vladislav Baumgertner and is implementing all necessary measures for his immediate release. The Government of the Russian Federation is also taking action to protect the rights of the arrested Russian citizen.

Uralkali views continuity of efficient operations and implementation of the announced development strategy as its key priorities. Uralkali's management team has the full support of the Board of Directors which rates the Company's governance procedures very highly and remains confident in Uralkali's strong strategic prospects.

Acting CEO is Uralkali's CFO Viktor Belyakov.

The Company is grateful for support to the Russian Government, political and social leaders who have made statements in defense of Vladislav Baumgertner, the investment and business community and believes that the situation will be resolved in accordance with commonly accepted moral and legal norms. 

Uralkali ( www.uralkali.com) is one of the world's largest potash producers with a share of about 20% of global potash production. The Company's assets consist of 5 mines and 7 ore-treatment mills situated in the towns of Berezniki and Solikamsk (Perm Region, Russia). Uralkali employs ca. 11,800 people (in the main production unit). Uralkali's shares and GDRs are traded on the Moscow Exchange and LSE, respectively.

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