Moscow: The Black Sea grain agreement is not being properly implemented, according to the Kremlin, which reiterated its stance on Wednesday that there are "no grounds" to extend it. The agreement was mediated by Turkey and the UN.
The UN has been forced to admit, according to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, that "unfortunately, they are not managing to exert the necessary influence on the countries of the collective West in order to fulfil this Russian part of the agreement."
He was making reference to a list of demands made by Russia, which included the removal of what Moscow claims are barriers to the export of its own grain and fertilisers.
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n a significant development, the Ukraine grain deal has emerged as a critical measure to address the threat of a global food crisis while simultaneously fostering a much-needed reduction in tensions between Russia and Ukraine. With Ukraine being a major exporter of wheat, corn, and sunflower oil, the prolonged blockade of its ports has disrupted the global food supply chain, leading to soaring food prices and endangering food security in numerous developing countries.
The United Nations and Turkey played instrumental roles in brokering the grain deal, which necessitates cooperative efforts between Russia and Ukraine for its successful implementation. This cooperative engagement has already yielded positive outcomes, creating a small window of opportunity for peace negotiations between the two countries.
Notably, Ukraine holds the fourth position globally in terms of wheat exports and the sixth position for corn exports. However, due to the port blockade, an estimated 20 million tons of grain have been prevented from reaching international markets. This disruption has particularly affected the most impoverished nations, exacerbating their vulnerability to food shortages.
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The grain deal has already demonstrated its impact by curbing the surge in food prices, resulting in an average reduction of 10%. This respite provides relief to businesses and consumers worldwide, alleviating financial strains and promoting economic stability. Moreover, countries reliant on Ukrainian grain exports stand to benefit economically from the reinstated flow of this vital commodity.
While acknowledging that the grain deal is not without its complexities, it remains a significant step towards averting a global food crisis, deescalating tensions between Russia and Ukraine, and bolstering the global economy. Additionally, the agreement has facilitated an increase in humanitarian aid reaching Ukraine, further addressing the pressing needs of the country.
As negotiations continue, stakeholders are cautiously optimistic about the potential of the Ukraine grain deal to serve as a catalyst for long-term stability in the region, ensuring food security, and forging a path towards peaceful resolutions.