"Russia's Withdrawal from Ukrainian Grain Deal Jeopardizes Last Remaining Partnerships"

By pulling out of the Black Sea Grain Initiative, Russia risks damaging its relations with its few remaining partners who have stayed neutral or supportive of the Kremlin's invasion of Ukraine. The move not only threatens global food security but also strains Moscow's ties with key partner Turkey and potentially causes concern in China. Turkish President Erdogan, who helped broker the grain deal, has pushed for its extension and could use his leverage to squeeze concessions from Putin. However, Russia has levers to pull, such as canceling gas payments or restricting Russian tourists, to pressure Turkey. Moscow's disruptive actions, including vetoing a resolution on humanitarian aid in Syria and supporting Mali's push to expel U.N. peacekeepers, reflect its readiness to raise the stakes elsewhere.