Russia declared to stop adhering to the Black Sea grain deal which was signed by Ukraine and Russia with help of the UN and Turkey in July 2022 only a few hours before its expiration.
According to President Vladimir Putin’s Press Secretary, Dmitry Peskov, the deal “ceased to be valid.” “Unfortunately, the part relating to Russia in this Black Sea agreement has not been implemented so far. Therefore, its effect is terminated.”
Russia has declared its appeal to an extension before expiration. Since Russia asserts their ammonia pipeline was destroyed by the Ukraine, one requirement for a prolongation was the reparation of the pipeline.
Prior to the war, 25% of world’s grain export came from Russia and Ukraine.
The UN bewailed this decision, “ending a lifeline for hundreds of millions worldwide facing hunger and spiraling food costs.“
“Today’s decision by the Russian Federation will strike a blow to people in need everywhere,” comments UN Secretary-General António Guterres.
The European Commission blamed Russia for “weaponizing” the hunger of people.
“This will exacerbate economic hardship and global food insecurity. The EU is committed to continue supporting partners through the solidarity lanes,” comments High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs Josep Borrell.
Russia’s decision will negatively affect pet industry prices. According to latest report, wheat prices have already increased by 3.5 % after the decision was made. UN figures say, that 77% of food exported from Ukraine is wheat.
From the start of the agreement until today, 32.8 million metric tons of grain have been exported. However, this number decreased from 4.2 million metric tons in October 2022 to 1.3 million in May 2023.
Since the end of June, it is told that there weren’t any new vessels recorded passing this corridor because of the upcoming decision.
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