Russia withdraws from Black Sea grain deal, citing lack of progress
Russia has withdrawn from a UN-brokered deal to export Ukrainian grain from the Black Sea, citing a lack of progress. The deal, which was reached in April, was designed to help alleviate a global food crisis caused by the war in Ukraine.
In an article published on Monday, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that the deal had “lost its meaning” because Ukraine had not removed mines from its ports. He also said that the West had not provided guarantees that Russia would not be targeted by sanctions if it exported grain.
UN-brokered deal to export Ukrainian grain from Black Sea in jeopardy.
The withdrawal of Russia from the deal is a blow to efforts to alleviate the food crisis. Ukraine is a major exporter of wheat and corn, and the blockade of its ports has led to a sharp increase in global food prices.
Putin’s article also comes ahead of the second Russia-Africa summit, which will take place in St. Petersburg on Thursday and Friday. In the article, Putin said that Russia is ready to provide grain to Africa, both commercially and free of charge.
The summit is seen as an opportunity for Russia to increase its influence in Africa. Although Moscow has so far invested very little in the continent, it has been on a diplomatic push to win African countries’ support.
The withdrawal of Russia from the Black Sea grain deal and Putin’s article are seen as a sign that Russia is not serious about helping to alleviate the food crisis. The move is likely to further increase tensions between Russia and the West, and it could have a devastating impact on food security in Africa.
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