In a move that will profit dependent nations, Russia confirmed that it would continue to partake in the Black Sea Grain export agreement.
The Russian government asserts that Putin decided to relaunch the agreement because Ukraine vowed not to militarize the maritime agreement. However, for the global community, grain exports are a vital component. One-third of the grain supply in the world is exported by the two countries collectively. As a result, when Russia announced it would no longer support the accord, experts predicted prices would skyrocket.
“Taking into account the act of terrorism committed by the Kyiv regime with the participation of British experts on October 29 this year against the ships of the Black Sea Fleet and civil vessels involved in the security of the ‘grain corridor,’ the Russian side suspends its participation in the implementation of the agreements on the export of agricultural products from the Ukrainian ports,” the Russian defense ministry said a while back.
After days of international scrutiny and pressure from other international organizations, Russia eventually gave in and continued to support the agreement. The nations first devised the agreement to address global food shortages and cap the price of wheat and rice.
“Thanks to the participation of an international organization, as well as the assistance of Turkey, it was possible to obtain the necessary written guarantees from Ukraine on the non-use of the humanitarian corridor and Ukrainian ports designated for the export of agricultural products for conducting military operations against the Russian Federation,” the Russian defense said in a statement.
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Russia and the pressure it feels
The United Nations directly addressed Russia after it backtracked on the agreement. But, unfortunately, the country’s reduced exports spell disaster for many countries.
“We’ve seen the reports from the Russian Federation regarding the suspension of their participation in the Black Sea Grain Initiative. We are in touch with the Russian authorities on this matter,” announced UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric.
To revive the export agreement, Ukraine constantly communicated with Russia. The efforts successfully yielded the results that many nations had hoped for.
“The Ukrainian side officially assured that the maritime humanitarian corridor will be used only in accordance with the provisions of the Black Sea Initiative,” the Russian Defense Ministry added.
“The Russian Federation considers that the guarantees received at the moment seem sufficient and resumes the implementation of the agreement – the Initiative for the safe transportation of grain and food from the ports of Ukraine (the “Black Sea Initiative”), suspended after the terrorist attack in Sevastopol.”
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Blackmailing the superpower
Mykhailo Podolyak, a presidential adviser, voiced concern about Russia’s willingness to participate in the agreement. The Russian government, he claimed, did not agree to the ‘blackmails’ utilized against them. Instead, they had other plans.
“One way or another, Russia, embarrassed, returned to the grain initiative. Because it suddenly turned out that the grain corridor would work. And even without the Kremlin’s participation. This says only one thing: Russia is always inferior to those who are stronger, those who know how to take a blow, those who argue their position strongly,” he said.
Photo Credit: Gavriil Grigorov
Source: CNBC
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