Russian President Vladimir Putin said the grain deal was shamelessly used by the West to enrich large American and European companies that exported grain from Ukraine and resold it to other countries.
In an article by Putin published on the Kremlin website today, Monday, the Russian president said that “there is no longer any point in continuing the grain deal that does not achieve its humanitarian goal.”
Putin added:
• Our country is able to exchange Ukrainian grain both on a commercial basis and on a free basis.
• We expect a big grain harvest this year.
• Despite the sanctions, Russia will continue to do everything in its power to regulate the supply of grain, food and fertilizers to Africa.
• None of the conditions of the special deal have been fulfilled except for Russian exports of grain and fertilizers to world markets from the imposed sanctions.
Pressure on Russia to avoid a global food crisis
Russia came under pressure in the UN Security Council on Friday to avert a global food crisis and quickly allow Ukrainian grain shipments through. Russia has also been criticized by the United Nations, UN members and the council for attacking Ukrainian ports, after withdrawing from the year-long grain agreement. In response to Russia declaring large areas in the Black Sea dangerous to maritime navigation, the United Nations warned that a military accident at sea could lead to “catastrophic consequences.” Russia said it had suspended the Black Sea grain initiative because the United Nations had failed to overcome hurdles in shipping its own food and fertilizer to world markets, the other half of the Ukraine grain agreement. The Kremlin has stated that it would consider resuming Ukrainian shipments if it progresses in overcoming obstacles, including banking arrangements. US Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas Greenfield has accused Russia of using the Black Sea as a means of “blackmail” and playing political games, noting that Russia is exporting more grain than ever before at higher prices. Greenfield called on the UN Security Council and all 193 UN member states to come together, urging Russia to resume negotiations in good faith.
#Putin #West #advantage #grain #agreement #enrich #companies
2023-07-23 21:42:55
