The publication noted that Washington is skeptical about the prospects for negotiations between the UN and Turkey with Russia.
One U.S. official described Moscow's request as "extortion diplomacy" and said the U.S. would not agree to a deal that would take any economic pressure off the Kremlin.
Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier recalled that Russia does not set any conditions for the export of grain from Ukrainian ports.
He also noted that statements that Russia does not allow Ukrainian grain to be exported are a bluff.
At the same time, Ukraine must clear the approaches to the ports, while Russia, for its part, guarantees the peaceful passage of ships with grain.