United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres said on Monday that Russia’s decision to withdraw from the grain deal with Ukraine will be “a blow to people in need around the world” and that thousands will “pay the price”. Especially those who are hungry and consumers facing a global crisis with the rising cost of living.
The Portuguese revealed that he wrote a letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin with the expectation that the Russian head of state could still reconsider the decision. In statements in New York, at the UN headquarters, Guterres was very sad.
“I am deeply disappointed that my proposals have been rejected today. The Russian Federation’s decision is a blow to people in need around the world, but it will not impede our efforts to facilitate any now-prohibited access to world markets for food and fertilizers from both Ukraine and the Russian Federation. I want to particularly acknowledge the efforts of the Government of Turkey in this regard,” added the UN Secretary-General.
Under Turkish and UN mediation, Kiev and Moscow agreed a year ago on a series of measures to ensure the safety of ships carrying Ukrainian grain to international markets, a pact known as the “Black Sea Initiative,” which expired. this Monday. fair
Russia decided to suspend the agreement considering that the sanctions it faces for its aggression against Ukraine prevent it from complying with the part of the pact that should also guarantee Russian exports of food and fertilizers.
At the same time, he assured that “as soon as the Russian side complies”, Moscow “will immediately return to the application of this agreement.”
Source: TSF
