The Black Sea Grain Initiative allowed more than 32 million tons of grain and other food to be exported from Ukraine.
Russia has announced its withdrawal from the Black Sea Grain Initiative, a wartime agreement that allowed grain exports from Ukraine through the Black Sea. The United Nations and Turkey negotiated the deal a year ago, which allowed food exports from Ukraine to pass through Black Sea shipping lanes. The most recent extension to the agreement expired Monday.
Ukraine is a major exporter of grain and other foods. Under the Black Sea deal, over 32 million tons of grain and other foods have been exported. Russia indicated the deal was one-sided and that sanctions against its own agricultural exports must be loosened before they will reinstate the agreement.
UN Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg expressed disappointment over the decision by Russia and said that millions of people around the world “will pay a price.“
White House National Security spokesman Adam Hodge said the suspension of the agreement “will worsen food security and harm millions.” He added, “We urge the Government of Russia to immediately reverse its decision.”
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For the president and secretary of state as they respond to the withdrawal of Russia from the export agreement.
- For the heads of state of UN member nations as they assess the impact of the lapsed grain deal.
- For the millions of people whose food supply will be endangered by the stoppage of grain exports from Ukraine.
Sources: NY Times, Newsmax
