Russia has announced its suspension of the Black Sea Grain Initiative, which allowed both Russia and Ukraine to export grain during Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine. The agreement, brokered by the United Nations and Turkey, played a critical role in stabilizing global food prices. However, tensions between the two nations have escalated as Ukraine launches a counteroffensive against Russia.
According to a U.N. official, Russia sent a letter to the Joint Coordination Center in Istanbul formally terminating its participation in the Black Sea Initiative. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov referred to the move as a suspension rather than a termination, stating that Russia was unable to export certain agricultural products due to restrictions imposed by the U.S. and Ukraine’s other international partners. Peskov emphasized that Russia would resume implementation of the agreement if these restrictions were lifted.
However, there is confusion surrounding Russia’s decision. While the Kremlin stated that the agreement was suspended, a letter from Russia to the U.N. said that it was terminated. The move by Russia comes as Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba was in New York to address the U.N., calling on Russia to stop using hunger as a weapon.
The suspension of the agreement is expected to drive up global food prices, particularly in vulnerable regions like Asia and Africa. Ukraine’s Foreign Minister warned of the consequences, stating that prices for grain worldwide would increase. U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield condemned Russia’s decision, describing it as an act of cruelty that holds humanity hostage.
Richard Gowan, U.N. Director for the International Crisis Group, believes that Russia’s suspension may be a tactic to extract more concessions from the U.N. and Western powers. He highlighted Russia’s growing contempt for the U.N., which could hinder efforts to revive the grain export pact.
The agreement played a vital role in facilitating the export of over 32 million metric tons of food commodities from Ukrainian ports. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed his regret over Russia’s decision, crediting the agreement with reducing food prices by over 23% since March last year. However, ensuring Russia’s compliance has been challenging due to international sanctions and demands for a regulated payment system.
Despite the suspension, talks are ongoing to find a new deal. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres have called on Russia to renew the agreement. The outcome of these negotiations will have significant implications for global food prices and the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
