Tag

Black Sea Grain Initiative

All articles tagged with #black sea grain initiative

international-relations2 years ago

Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov Accuses West of Lies, Dismisses Grain-Deal Revival and Ukraine Peace Plan

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov dismissed the West as an "empire of lies" and rejected the latest U.N. proposals to revive the Black Sea grain initiative, stating that they do not fulfill promises made to Moscow. Lavrov criticized the West's support for Ukraine, calling it a neo-colonial mindset and accusing them of duping the "global majority." He also mentioned that Russia left the grain initiative due to unmet promises, including the removal of sanctions on a Russian bank and reconnecting it to the global SWIFT system. Lavrov's comments came after a week of intense global diplomacy at the U.N. General Assembly, where Ukraine sought support against Russia's invasion.

international-relations2 years ago

"High Stakes: Erdogan-Putin Meeting Holds Key Implications"

Turkish President Erdogan is set to meet with Russian President Putin in Sochi to discuss the possibility of Russia rejoining the Black Sea grain deal, which it broke off from in July. The deal, brokered by the UN and Turkey, allowed for the safe export of grain and other commodities from Ukrainian ports despite the Russian invasion. Russia withdrew from the agreement, citing unfulfilled promises regarding the removal of obstacles to its agricultural trade. The meeting between Erdogan and Putin is crucial for the renewal of arrangements that helped prevent a food crisis in parts of Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.

international-relations2 years ago

JPMorgan Halts Russia's Grain Payments, Moscow Reacts

JPMorgan has reportedly stopped processing payments for the Russian Agricultural Bank, which was cut off from the SWIFT international payments system by the EU last year. JPMorgan had been handling some Russian grain export payments. The Russian Foreign Ministry called for the reconnection of Rosselkhozbank to SWIFT and the restoration of Russian companies' access to their foreign assets. The EU's top diplomat argued that Russia would benefit from higher food prices and increase its market share in the global grain market by limiting Ukraine's capacity to export.

international-relations2 years ago

China Emerges as Ukraine's Leading Grain Importer, Rescuing the Black Sea Agreement

China, the top importer of Ukrainian grain, is being looked to by the United States and its Western allies to help resolve the fallout from Russia's withdrawal from the Black Sea Grain Initiative. The agreement, which eased Russia's naval blockade in the Black Sea and established a maritime humanitarian corridor, saw China receive the lion's share of Ukrainian agricultural products. With the collapse of the deal, China faces extreme pressure in terms of food price inflation, potentially impacting global food security. China has called for the immediate resumption of Ukrainian agriculture exports and Russian fertilizer products, while the U.S. Secretary of State has criticized Russia's actions and vowed to work with allies to address the mounting food crisis.

international-relations2 years ago

"Russia-Ukraine War's Impact on Global Food Insecurity Takes Center Stage as U.S. Assumes UN Security Council Presidency"

The United States assumes the presidency of the United Nations Security Council for the month of August, with the collapse of the Black Sea Grain Initiative topping the agenda. The initiative, which facilitated the transport of agricultural products from Ukraine and Russia to food-insecure countries, fell apart last month, raising concerns about global food insecurity. The U.S. Ambassador to the UN, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, criticized Russia's exit from the deal and called for its reversal. The U.S. aims to address human rights and mitigate food insecurity during its presidency.

international-relations2 years ago

"Escalating Conflict: Ukraine and Russia Exchange Missile Strikes"

The Russian Wagner group is moving closer to the Belarusian city of Grodno, raising concerns for Poland and Lithuania who are considering closing their borders with Belarus. Ukraine's defence ministry has suggested that Ukrainian forces may soon enter Crimea to retake the peninsula annexed by Russia in 2014. The UN secretary-general criticizes Russia's grain donations, stating they do not offset the consequences of the end of the Black Sea initiative. Saudi Arabia plans to host peace talks on Ukraine, while a Ukrainian engineer is allegedly being held illegally by Russia and subjected to torture. Russian rocket attacks in Ukraine have resulted in civilian casualties, and Unesco representatives are assessing the damage caused by Russian strikes on cultural and religious sites.

international-relations2 years ago

"Global Pressure Mounts on Russia to Prevent Food Crisis and Resume Ukrainian Grain Shipments"

Russia faced pressure at the UN Security Council to prevent a global food crisis and resume Ukrainian grain shipments. The U.N. and council members criticized Russia for attacking Ukrainian ports and violating international humanitarian law. The U.N. warned of catastrophic consequences if a military incident occurs in the Black Sea. China urged Russia and the U.N. to work together to resume exports from both countries for international food security. The U.S. accused Russia of using the Black Sea as blackmail and called for negotiations to resume. Developing countries expressed concerns about the impact of the grain cutoff on wheat prices and food insecurity. Russia listed conditions for rejoining the grain deal, including the lifting of Western sanctions and the resolution of banking and fertilizer issues. The U.N. condemned Russian attacks on Ukrainian ports and urged restraint to prevent a larger humanitarian crisis. The cutoff of grain shipments has already led to civilian casualties, damage to infrastructure, and a spike in wheat prices.

agriculturefood-security2 years ago

"Russia's Halted Black Sea Grain Deal Sparks Concern in East Africa"

Russia's decision to halt the Black Sea Grain Initiative, which allowed the export of Ukrainian agricultural goods to East African countries, is causing concern over rising consumer prices and potential food shortages. The agreement, which facilitated the export of millions of tonnes of grain, including donations to aid organizations, has been crucial for countries grappling with climate change-induced challenges like drought. The end of the deal could exacerbate food insecurity and strain farmers and aid organizations already struggling to respond to crises. Activists and economists are calling for climate-smart solutions to support local farmers and reduce import dependency, emphasizing the need for self-sufficiency and regional trade.

international-relations2 years ago

"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.

global-food-security2 years ago

Escalating Russia-Ukraine tensions drive wheat prices to new heights

Wheat prices have risen for a third consecutive day as tensions between Russia and Ukraine escalate, sparking fears of a major global food crisis. Russia's threat to treat ships heading for Ukrainian ports as military cargo carriers has deepened concerns about food security. The rise in wheat prices follows Russia's decision to pull out of the Black Sea Grain Initiative, a crucial wartime deal that provided a humanitarian corridor for the export of Ukrainian grain. Attacks on grain infrastructure in southern Ukraine have further hindered Ukraine's ability to export agricultural commodities. The termination of the initiative is expected to create a significant food crisis worldwide, particularly affecting low-income countries in Africa and the Middle East.

finance2 years ago

"Escalating Russia-Ukraine tensions send wheat prices skyrocketing"

Wheat prices surged by nearly 9% as tensions between Russia and Ukraine escalated, with Russia pulling out of a crucial deal allowing the export of grain from Ukraine. The move threatens to push up food prices globally and could lead to increased food insecurity. The Black Sea Grain Initiative, which ensured the safe passage of grain shipments from Ukrainian ports, expired as Russia refused to renew the pact, citing its failure to meet its intended purpose. The collapse of the deal has significant implications, as Ukraine was previously the fifth-largest wheat exporter worldwide.

geopolitics2 years ago

Global Wheat Prices Skyrocket Amid Russia-Ukraine Conflict

Wheat prices surged by nearly 9% as tensions between Russia and Ukraine escalated, following Russia's decision to withdraw from a crucial deal allowing the export of grain from Ukraine. The move threatens to push up food prices globally and exacerbate food insecurity. The Black Sea Grain Initiative, which ensured the safe passage of grain-carrying ships from Ukrainian ports, has expired, impacting Ukraine's position as the fifth-largest wheat exporter. Corn futures also rose amid fears of a supply crunch. The situation highlights the potential impact of geopolitical tensions on food prices and global inflation.

international-relations2 years ago

"Russia's Last-Minute Decision Jeopardizes Global Food Security with Ukraine Grain Deal"

Russia has suspended a humanitarian corridor agreement that allowed the export of Ukrainian grains to global markets, just hours before the deal's expiration. The Black Sea Grain Initiative, established to address a global food crisis following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, has been repeatedly extended but faced discontent from Russia over perceived export restrictions. Wheat prices rose 3.5% in response to the news. Moscow has officially notified Ankara, Kyiv, and the U.N. secretariat of its opposition to extending the initiative. The agreement allowed the export of commercial food and fertilizer supplies from Ukrainian ports in the Black Sea.

international-relations2 years ago

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.

international-relations2 years ago

"EC Urges Sustained Black Sea Grain Initiative"

The European Commission (EC) has called for the continuation of the Black Sea Grain Initiative, urging all parties to extend the agreement to ensure the supply of Ukrainian grain to global consumers. The EC emphasized the importance of the initiative and expressed readiness to consider solutions that limit Russia's ability to wage an aggressive war against Ukraine. The EC spokesperson did not comment on speculation about Russia's demands to lift sanctions against the Russian bank, stating that sanctions are the prerogative of member states and discussions are confidential.