UNITED NATIONS: The United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, expressed deep concern on Monday over Russia’s decision to exit the Ukraine grain deal, warning that millions of people facing hunger will bear the brunt of the repercussions.
Speaking at the United Nations headquarters in New York, Guterres emphasized that Moscow’s move would strike a blow to people in need worldwide and exacerbate the global cost-of-living crisis.
Highlighting the dire situation, Guterres stated, “Hundreds of millions of people face hunger and consumers are confronting a global cost-of-living crisis. They will pay the price.” He expressed regret regarding Russia’s decision and underscored that it would not impede the UN’s efforts to ensure unimpeded access to global markets for food and fertilizers from Ukraine and Russia.
The UN Secretary General reiterated the organization’s commitment to advancing global food security and stability in food prices, despite the setback caused by Russia’s withdrawal. Guterres stressed that mitigating human suffering resulting from the decision would be a priority going forward.
Guterres also revealed that he had previously sent a letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin, proposing a new initiative to maintain the deal, but his proposal had gone unanswered. The letter outlined a plan to reconnect a subsidiary of Russia’s main agricultural bank to the global SWIFT banking system, aiming to address the challenges posed by sanctions.
Russia Expressed Frustration with Sanctions
Russia has expressed frustration with sanctions that have hampered its grain and fertilizer exports. Guterres acknowledged progress in the Russian grain trade and fertilizer markets, mentioning that export volumes were high and stability was being restored. However, Russia argued that the terms for extending the initiative were not being met.
At the United Nations, US Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield condemned Russia’s withdrawal from the grain deal, accusing Moscow of holding “humanity hostage.” She criticized the decision, stating that it would inflict further harm on the world’s most vulnerable populations. Thomas-Greenfield also highlighted Russia’s recent obstruction of a key aid route to Syria, which jeopardized the well-being of millions living in rebel-held areas.
The consequences of Russia’s exit from the Ukraine grain deal are expected to reverberate globally, posing a significant challenge to food security and exacerbating the plight of those already suffering from hunger and economic hardships. The international community must work collectively to address this emerging crisis and mitigate the impact on vulnerable populations.
