Russia has suspended the implementation of a UN-brokered deal that allowed Ukraine to export grain through the Black Sea.
According to the British news agency Reuters, Russia’s announcement to suspend the one-year-old agreement has raised concerns in poorer countries that food will be out of reach due to rising prices.
Hours before the announcement, a bridge in Crimea was blow up by an explosion that killed two people. Moscow has alleged that “a Ukrainian naval drone targeted the bridge, and it was a terrorist attack.”
However, Russia has said that there is no connection between the attack and the decision to suspend the grain deal.
“Unfortunately, the part of the Black Sea agreements that Russia demanded has not been implement. So it is not effective,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has indicated. That Russia’s withdrawal from the agreement means that the agreement on support for grain and fertiliser exports is also over.
He told the journalists that “Today’s decision of the Russian Federation will give a blow to the needy people.”
Moscow says it may consider rejoining the grain deal if there are “concrete results” on its demands.
The White House has expressed fears that Russia’s suspension of the agreement will worsen the ‘food security’ situation and affect millions.
US Secretary of State Antony Blanken called this action by Russia “irresponsible”.
Ukraine and Russia are among the world’s largest exporters of grain and other food products. So any disruption could send food prices soaring around the world.
International Relief Committee
Somalia, Ethiopia, and Kenya, which are facing the worst drought in decades. These countries will the worse hit. Says Shashwat Saraf, the International Relief Committee’s (IRC) emergency director for East Africa.
“I don’t know how we will survive,” said Halima Hussain, a mother of five living in a camp. For displaced people in the Somali capital, Mogadishu.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has suggested that grain exports resume without Russia’s participation, saying that “Kiev will have Turkey’s support.”
He said in his video message that Ukraine. The United Nations, and Turkey can together ensure the operation of the food corridor.” A chance to show the world that blackmail is not allowe. We must all ensure protection from Russian madness.
The historic agreement, brokered by the United Nations and Turkey, allowed the resumption of wheat and fertilizer exports from Ukrainian ports on the Black Sea.
Russian warships intercepted shipments of about 25 million tonnes of wheat and other grains at Ukrainian ports after Russia attacked them in February last year.
After this agreement between Russia and Ukraine, the world wheat price decreased for the first time.
It should be note that Russia and Ukraine produce 30% of the wheat imported worldwide.
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