Ukraine's Grain Export Deal Nears Expiration Amidst War with Russia

The U.N.-backed Black Sea Grain Initiative, which allowed Ukraine to export grain and other food items during the ongoing conflict with Russia, is set to expire with no announced plans for renewal. The deal has helped prevent a surge in global food prices and alleviate hunger. Russian President Putin claims that a part of the agreement has not been satisfied, while Turkish President Erdogan believes Putin will renew the agreement. Over the past year, 1,003 voyages have been made from Ukrainian ports, delivering 32.8 million tons of grain to 45 countries. The last ship to depart Ukraine under the current agreement left on Sunday.