The United Kingdom on Monday condemned “in the strongest terms” Russia’s decision to withdraw from the Black Sea Grain Initiative, said a statement by UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly.
“Russia’s illegal war against Ukraine has obstructed the free flow of grain and other foodstuffs through the Black Sea, causing worldwide suffering,” Cleverly said.
“We urge Russia to re-join the initiative, which was developed by the UN in 2022, and allow the unimpeded export of grain.” Cleverly noted that since its inception, the initiative has played a significant role in lowering and stabilising global food prices, delivering over 32 million tonnes of food products to world markets.
The UN estimates that without the grain provided through the initiative, the number of undernourished people worldwide could increase by millions.
“While exports of grain from Ukraine are restricted, Russian exports of food are at higher levels than before the invasion, “We have always been clear that the target of our sanctions is Russia’s war machine and not the food and fertiliser sectors. Contrary to Russian claims, the UN and other partners have taken significant steps to ensure that Russian food is able to access world markets,” the UK top diplomat clarified.
He reaffirmed that the best way for Russia to address concerns around global food security would be for it to withdraw its forces from Ukraine and end the war.
Source: Kuwait News Agency
