By refusing to extend its participation in the Black Sea Grain Initiative, Russia puts millions of people around the world at risk of hunger and provokes rising food prices.

This is part of a deliberate Russian strategy to destabilize countries in Asia and Africa. Russian terrorists want the acute food crisis to trigger social unrest, migration and political crises.

Right after killing the Grain Deal, Russia demonstrated its true attitude toward global food security by attacking key Ukrainian seaports, Odesa and Chornomorsk, with numerous missiles and drones. Russia deliberately strikes Ukrainian cities, which are vital for global food security, in order to achieve its political goals.

We urge the international community to join Ukraine’s efforts to save vital grain exports to the world and take a principled stance. Together, we must protect those most vulnerable around the world whom Russia tries to hurt.

By taking joint and resolute actions, we must ensure that Russian food blackmail fails and guarantee unhindered Ukrainian food exports even without relying on any Russian approvals.