Kremlin's Shocking Move Threatens Global Grain Security as Russia Withdraws from Ukrainian Deal
The Kremlin warns of risks in shipping Ukrainian grain from Black Sea ports, after Russia withdrew from a grain deal. Concerns arise over global food prices and dependence on Russian wheat.
The Kremlin has issued a warning that shipping grain from Ukrainian Black Sea ports without security guarantees from Russia poses risks due to alleged military activities by Ukraine in those waters.
This comes after Moscow announced its withdrawal from a grain deal that allowed the safe export of Ukrainian grain to address a global food emergency. Russia claims it pulled out because a parallel agreement to facilitate its own grain and fertilizer exports had not been fulfilled.
Kremlin declines to extend the Black Sea grain deal, stalling the export of Ukrainian grain to the rest of the world.
— Musawar Hameed Tanoli 🇵🇰 (@MusawarTanoli2) July 17, 2023
UN chief is “deeply disappointed” at Russia’s withdrawal from the grain deal, saying it was “a lifeline for global food security”. #UkraineRussianWar #GrainDeal pic.twitter.com/ADxppw4lvq
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky suggested that Turkey and the UN could help maintain a safe sea corridor, but the Kremlin emphasized the risks in an area close to a war zone.
The US Secretary of State accused Russia of weaponizing food, but Russia denied the allegation and said it was prepared to continue supplying grain to Africa for free.
Meanwhile, European officials condemned Moscow's decision, calling it immoral and threatening food prices and market stability. Despite Russia's withdrawal, Ukraine remains determined to continue exporting grain.
Black Sea grain deal: The head of Ukraine’s Presidential office claims: Russia's withdrawal from the Black Sea grain deal will endanger the lives of 400 million people who depend on Ukrainian food exports.
— Vera vdrVlk (@veravalk1) July 18, 2023
-Food used as weapon a very ancient and inhumane weapon-. https://t.co/5wnIENs9CY
Aid agencies and experts are concerned about the impact on global food prices and the most vulnerable populations in food-insecure countries.
They warn that poor countries in Africa and the Middle East will become more dependent on Russian wheat. The Black Sea grain deal, which facilitated the export of Ukrainian grain, was terminated by Russia, causing concerns over global grain security.