EU Calls on Russia to Rethink Decision and Immediately Resume 'Grain Deal'

The European Union (EU) condemns Russia's decision to suspend the 'grain deal', stated the EU delegation in Russia. According to the EU, 'Russia is unilaterally blocking one of the most important routes for the export of Ukrainian goods.'

Europe believes that Moscow 'bears full responsibility for the interruptions in global grain supplies and the rise in global food prices.'

According to the EU, the 'grain deal' helped ensure the safe export of nearly 33 million tons of grain and food to 45 countries.

'The EU calls on Russia to reconsider its decision and immediately resume the implementation of the Black Sea Grain Initiative,' the EU delegation's statement read, which was published on Telegram.

It is worth mentioning that the day before, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov announced that the terms of the 'grain deal' had ceased to be effective, and the deal had been suspended.

'In fact, the Black Sea agreements have ceased to be effective today. As previously stated by the President of Russia, the deadline was July 17. Unfortunately, the section pertaining to Russia has not been implemented to this day, therefore its action has been suspended,' the Kremlin spokesperson clarified.

He emphasized that as soon as the Russian part of the agreements is fulfilled, Russia 'will immediately return to the implementation of this deal.'

The Black Sea Initiative, signed on July 22, 2022, by representatives of Russia, Turkey, Ukraine, and the UN, included the export of Ukrainian grain and food, as well as fertilizers via the Black Sea. It was part of a packaged agreement. The second part, the Russia-UN memorandum, which is intended for three years, provides for the unblocking of Russian food and fertilizer exports, the reconnection of the Russian Agricultural Bank to SWIFT, and the restoration of the supply of agricultural machinery, spare parts, and services, as well as the resumption of operations of the Tolyatti-Odessa ammonia pipeline.