Russia has said that the Ukraine grain deal has expired today, July 17, 2023, and that it will not be renewing it. The deal, which was brokered by the United Nations, allowed Ukraine to export grain through the Black Sea despite the ongoing war.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that the deal had not achieved its goals, and that Russia was still facing obstacles exporting food and fertilizer. He also said that the West had not fulfilled its commitments under the deal, including lifting sanctions on Russian banks and shipping companies.
Lavrov’s statement has raised concerns about the global food crisis. Ukraine is a major exporter of wheat, and the war has disrupted its exports. This has led to a rise in food prices, and some countries are facing shortages.
The United Nations has said that it is working with Russia and Ukraine to try to find a way to renew the grain deal. However, it is unclear whether they will be able to reach an agreement.
Background
The Ukraine grain deal was brokered by the United Nations in July 2022. The deal allowed Ukraine to export grain through the Black Sea, which is a major shipping route. The deal was seen as a major breakthrough in efforts to avert a global food crisis.
The deal was based on a set of principles, including the need for safe passage for ships carrying grain, the need for Ukraine to clear mines from its ports, and the need for Russia to allow ships to pass through its territorial waters.
The deal was initially scheduled to expire in January 2023, but it was extended for two months in May. The latest extension expired today, July 17, 2023.
Impact
Russia’s statement that it will not renew the grain deal has raised concerns about the global food crisis. Ukraine is a major exporter of wheat, and the war has disrupted its exports. This has led to a rise in food prices, and some countries are facing shortages.
The United Nations has said that it is working with Russia and Ukraine to try to find a way to renew the grain deal. However, it is unclear whether they will be able to reach an agreement.
If the grain deal is not renewed, it could have a serious impact on the global food supply. Prices could rise even further, and some countries could face shortages. This could lead to social unrest and political instability.
Outlook
The outlook for the grain deal is uncertain. Russia has said that it will not renew the deal, and the United Nations is working to find a way to reach an agreement. However, it is unclear whether they will be able to do so.
If the grain deal is not renewed, it could have a serious impact on the global food supply. Prices could rise even further, and some countries could face shortages. This could lead to social unrest and political instability.
The international community needs to work together to find a way to renew the grain deal. This is essential to prevent a global food crisis.