Zelensky says Russia intends to return ‘threat of large-scale famine’ by exiting grain deal

World

Published: 2022-10-30 09:45

Last Updated: 2024-04-25 08:40


Zelensky says Russia intends to return ‘threat of large-scale famine’ by exiting grain deal
Zelensky says Russia intends to return ‘threat of large-scale famine’ by exiting grain deal

In his nightly address, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky said Russia’s move to suspend participation in the Ukraine grain deal is "an absolutely transparent intention of Russia to return the threat of large-scale famine to Africa and Asia,” AFP reported.

He added that more than two million tons of food are currently stuck in the sea, worsening access to food for more than seven million consumers.


Also Read: Russia suspends participation in grain deal after attack on Sevastopol


Russia on Saturday suspended its participation in a landmark agreement that allowed vital grain exports from Ukraine, blaming drone attacks on Russian ships in Crimea, AFP reported.

Russia made the announcement after its army accused Kyiv earlier Saturday of a "massive" drone attack on its Black Sea fleet, while Britain bluntly rejected Moscow's claims its specialists were involved.

The Turkey and UN-brokered deal to unlock grain exports signed between Russia and Ukraine in July is critical to easing the global food crisis caused by the conflict.

The agreement already allowed more than nine million tonnes of Ukrainian grain to be exported and was due to be renewed on November 19.

"In light of the terrorist act carried out by the Kyiv regime with the participation of British experts against ships of the Black Sea fleet and civilian vessels involved in the security of grain corridors, Russia suspends its participation in the implementation of the agreement on the export of agricultural products from Ukrainian ports," the Russian defense ministry said on Telegram.

Sevastopol in Crimea, which has been targeted several times in recent months, serves as the headquarters for the fleet and a logistical hub for operations in Ukraine.

The Russian army said to have "destroyed" nine aerial drones and seven maritime ones, in an attack in the port early Saturday.