Introduction

Ukraine and Russia are both looking for alternative methods to maintain the flow of grain supplies after an agreement that allowed exports to Africa, the Middle East, and Asia collapsed. The deal expired on July 18, and Moscow refused to renew its participation. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and his Turkish counterpart, Hakan Fidan, discussed ways to supply “the neediest countries,” while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy chaired a government meeting in Kyiv to address seaborne grain exports and port security.

Russia Suspends Participation in Grain Export Deal

On July 17, Moscow announced that it was suspending its participation in the grain export agreement, which facilitated the safe passage of over 33 million metric tons of grain from Ukrainian ports. This deal was crucial in addressing a global food emergency and curbing inflation that surged worldwide after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. While Ukrainian exports were still flowing, Russia claimed that the terms of a parallel deal to move its grain and fertilizers were not being met.

Ukraine Calls for Continued Operation of Black Sea Grain Export Deal

President Zelenskiy called for the continuation of the Black Sea grain export deal without Russia’s participation. He stated that he had agreed with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to work with responsible states to restore food security and supply via the Black Sea routes. However, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov warned about the risks involved in continuing the grain deal without Russia’s involvement, citing the proximity of the grain corridor to the war zone in Ukraine.

Russia Outlines Consequences of Exiting the Deal

In practical terms, Russia’s Foreign Ministry stated that exiting the grain export deal would result in revoking navigation safety guarantees, reinstating a temporarily dangerous area status in the northwestern part of the Black Sea, dissolving the maritime humanitarian corridor within the agreement’s area, and dismantling the Joint Coordination Center in Istanbul.

Efforts to Extend the Deal and Disappointment Over Russia’s Withdrawal

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who helped mediate the original agreement along with the United Nations, expressed hope that the deal would be extended. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed deep disappointment over Russia’s withdrawal from the agreement, which he described as a lifeline for global food security and a beacon of hope in a troubled world.

Conclusion

Ukraine and Russia are seeking alternative methods to ensure the continued flow of grain supplies after the collapse of the grain export agreement. While Ukraine calls for the continuation of the Black Sea grain export deal without Russia’s participation, Moscow has warned about the risks involved. Efforts are being made to extend the agreement, with Turkey and the United Nations playing a mediating role. The outcome of these discussions will have significant implications for global food security and the economies of both Ukraine and Russia.