On Friday, Russia’s blockade of Ukrainian seaports “must stop” after drawing out of a United Nations and Turkey-negotiated agreement to assure grain shipments, Charles Michel, the president of the European Council said.
Ahead of a G20 summit, Michel told reporters in New Delhi, that it’s disgraceful that Russia, after having removed the Black Sea grain ambition, is intercepting and attacking Ukrainian ports and this must stop.
Moscow dragged out of the grain deal in July after arguing that it had failed to accomplish the purpose of reducing hunger in Africa.
Pressures have been made in the region since, with Russia scaling attacks on Ukrainian export hubs and Kyiv’s troops targeting Russian naval ports and warships.
The Kremlin has since asked Turkey to support Russia’s export of its grain to African nations without any involvement from Ukraine.
Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Monday that Russia is just weeks away from providing free grain to six African nations.
Ships with grains required to have secure access to the Black Sea, he said, stating that the UN ambition had initially delivered 32 million tonnes to the market, “particularly to developing nations.”
Last year’s grain deal helped push down the World’s food costs and deliver Ukraine an important source of earnings to oppose the war.
Russia has stepped up raids on Ukraine’s shipping infrastructure.
Michel added that over 250 million people encounter critical food insecurity worldwide, and by intentionally striking Ukraine’s seaports, the Kremlin is depriving them of the food they desperately require.
