Russia has announced ending its participation in an agreement that had allowed Ukraine to export its grain by sea, known as the Black Sea Grain Initiative, which was brokered by the United Nations and Turkey in July, 2022.
The initiative which has been renewed several times with the latest renewal set to expire on Monday. Russia who repeatedly complained about the agreement, considered one-sided in Ukraine’s favor.
While the country also argued that Western sanctions have restricted the sale of its own agricultural products.
Last week, the United Nations Secretary General, António Guterres, sent a letter containing proposals for Russian President Vladimir Putin in an effort to meet Russia’s conditions for extending the deal.
Reacting to this development, the UN Chief said he regret Russia’s decision is to terminate the implementation of this Initiative including withdrawal of Russian security guarantees for navigation in the northwestern part of the Black Sea.
He stated that this Initiative has ensured the safe passage of over 32 million metric tons of food commodities from Ukrainian ports.
Adding that World Food Programme has shipped more than 725,000 tons to support humanitarian operations – relieving hunger in some of the hardest hit corners of the world, including Afghanistan, the Horn of Africa and Yemen.
Guterres noted that the Black Sea Initiative together with Memorandum of Understanding on facilitating exports of Russian food products and fertilizers have been a lifeline for global food security and a beacon of hope in a troubled world.
According to him, “At a time when the production and availability of food is being disrupted by conflict, climate change, energy prices and more, these agreements have helped to reduce food prices by over 23 per cent since March last year.
“With the decision to terminate the Black Sea Initiative, the Russian Federation also terminated its commitment to “facilitate the unimpeded export of food.
“Sunflower oil, and fertilizers from Ukrainian controlled Black Sea Ports” — as expressed in Paragraph 1 of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Russian Federation and the United Nations”.
The Secretary-General who expressed disappointment that his proposals went unheeded, said today’s decision by the Russian Federation will strike a blow to people in need everywhere.
“But it will not stop our efforts to facilitate the unimpeded access to global markets for food products and fertilizers from both Ukraine and the Russian Federation”, he added.
European Union High Representative and Vice-President, Josep Borell said Russia’s refusal to prolong this deal is something very serious that will create a lot of problems to many people around the world.
He said further that EU, will do everything its can through Solidarity Lanes, in order to make available the Ukrainian grain to the people that eat from it. “I have to blame Russia for this decision, completely unjustified, weaponising the hunger of the people”.
Also, British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said: “The United Kingdom condemns in the strongest terms Russia’s decision to withdraw from the Black Sea Grain Initiative.
“Russia’s illegal war against Ukraine has obstructed free flow of grain and other foodstuffs through the Black Sea, causing worldwide suffering. We urge Russia to re-join initiative, which was developed by the UN in 2022, and allow the unimpeded export of grain.
Adding that, “contrary to Russian claims, the UN and other partners have taken significant steps to ensure that Russian food is able to access world markets. The best way for Russia to address concerns around global food security would be for it to withdraw its forces from Ukraine and end the war”.