Russian government Said It indefinitely suspended months-old trade allowing grain shipments from Ukrainian ports, citing attacks on bases in occupied Crimea.
according to statement In a statement issued by the Russian Foreign Ministry on Saturday, Moscow said it would “indefinitely suspend” its participation in UN-brokered deals to ensure that agricultural products made in Ukraine reach global markets. did.
The deal is considered important for global food security given Ukraine’s role as a major producer of grain, which is typically shipped via the Black Sea to markets around the world. , especially shipped to Africa and the Middle East.
“The Russian side cannot guarantee the safety of civilian dry cargo ships,” the foreign ministry said, citing an alleged Ukrainian drone attack on the port of Sevastopol in Crimea early Saturday morning. said.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said: Tweet Moscow was using “a false pretext to block the grain corridor.”
Statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia Repeat claims made earlier in the day British experts back Ukraine in attack on Crimea, Moscow also says British forces are behind explosion that severely damaged Nordstream gas pipeline without providing supporting evidence Condemned. London rejected claim.
Andriy Yermak, chief of staff to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, blamed Russia. “blackmail” and “fictitious terrorist attacks.”
The export deal, called the Black Sea Grains Initiative, should run until November 19, when all sides had to agree to extend it. The deal allowed Ukraine to resume grain and fertilizer exports through the Black Sea, which had stalled when Russia invaded the country in late February.
Millions of tons of wheat, corn, sunflower products and other grains have shipped from Ukraine since a UN-backed grain deal was signed in Turkey on July 22.
The United Nations, which brokered grain deals with Turkey, said it was “in communication with Russian authorities” about Moscow’s suspension of the deal.
“It is important for all parties to refrain from actions that would jeopardize the Black Sea Grains Initiative, a vital humanitarian effort,” said Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, in a statement.
Nahal Toosi contributed a report from Washington.
