In a move that threatens to exacerbate the global food crisis, Russia announced on Monday that it has suspended its role in the Black Sea grain export agreement. The Kremlin disclosed that the pivotal accord, which was established last July with the support of the United Nations and Turkey, is no longer in effect for Russia.
This Black Sea grain deal sought to mitigate the global food crisis by ensuring safe export of Ukrainian grain. The grain, a vital global commodity, had been hindered due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Unmet Conditions Lead to Deal Suspension
According to Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, the Black Sea grain accord was due to expire on Monday and has been repeatedly extended in the past. However, Russia had voiced concerns for months that the necessary conditions for prolonging the agreement had not been met. “The part of these Black Sea agreements concerning Russia has not been implemented so far, hence its effect is terminated,” Peskov revealed.
Russia had frequently lamented about barriers obstructing its grain and fertilizer exports, although they were not directly subjected to Western sanctions. It also outlined a series of requirements that had not been fulfilled, which, it argued, led to the suspension of the Black Sea grain deal.
The Possibility of Russia’s Return to the Agreement
Russia, however, has left the door open for its return to the agreement. Peskov stated, “As soon as the Russian part of the agreements is fulfilled, the Russian side will return to the implementation of this deal immediately.” He stressed that the decision to suspend participation in the Black Sea grain pact was not linked to the recent attack on the bridge connecting Russia and Crimea.
Black Sea Grain: Unrelated but Complicating Factors
This unexpected attack, which Peskov labeled a “terrorist act,” was attributed to Ukraine. The Ukrainian military suggested the incident could have been a provocation by Russia, but Ukrainian media reports, citing unidentified sources, claim that Ukraine’s Security Service orchestrated the attack.
