Kyiv, Ukraine – In a race against time, the future of Ukraine’s grain export industry hangs in the balance as a crucial deal, set to expire on Monday, awaits Russia’s decision on extending the agreement. The Black Sea deal, which has played a pivotal role in facilitating the safe export of Ukrainian grain, faces an uncertain fate unless Moscow commits to its continuity, reported CNN.
The last vessel to sail under the provisions of the Black Sea deal departed the port of Odesa in the early hours of Sunday, according to a report by Reuters. Russian President Vladimir Putin voiced his concerns about the deal’s efficacy during a recent phone conversation with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, underscoring the unfulfilled obligations outlined in the Russia-UN memorandum.
The Kremlin’s readout of the call stated, “[Putin] stressed that the obligations set out in the relevant Russia-UN memorandum to remove obstacles to the export of Russian food and fertilizers still remain unfulfilled. Moreover, the main goal of the deal, namely the supply of grain to countries in need, including those on the African continent, has not been realized.”
While Russia has previously expressed grievances over its own export limitations, previous extensions of the deal have been granted. The agreement, initially brokered by Turkey and the United Nations following the outbreak of Russia’s war on Ukraine in July 2022, establishes robust protocols to ensure the secure export of grain from Ukrainian ports.
At the heart of the arrangement is the establishment of a safe corridor in the Black Sea, expertly guided by Ukrainian pilots, enabling grain ships to navigate toward global markets via the Bosphorus Strait—a critical shipping passage in northwestern Turkey. The continued success of this deal has proven indispensable in stabilizing global food prices and providing much-needed relief to developing countries reliant on Ukrainian exports.
The @UN has buckled. Secretary General @antonioguterres is offering Moscow relief from sanctions if Russian President Putin agrees to extend a deal allowing the safe Black Sea export of grain from Ukraine. Moscow was demanding reconnection of the Russian agricultural bank… pic.twitter.com/t1Et4ADNQu
— Michael Bociurkiw (@WorldAffairsPro) July 14, 2023
However, the fate of the agreement remains firmly in the hands of Russia, which has repeatedly threatened to withdraw from the pact. Prior to its third renewal in May, the Kremlin kept its intentions under wraps, leaving many uncertain about its commitment until a last-minute extension was eventually agreed upon.
In late October and early November 2022, Russia temporarily suspended its participation, citing drone attacks on Sevastopol in occupied Crimea. Moscow subsequently reversed course, opting to rejoin the agreement for an additional 120 days following mediation efforts.
As the clock ticks, the global community anxiously awaits Russia’s decision on the extension of the crucial Ukraine grain export agreement. The stability of food prices worldwide and the well-being of nations relying on Ukrainian grain exports now hinge on Moscow’s willingness to uphold its commitments. Only time will tell whether Russia will choose to ensure the continued success of this vital pact or allow it to slip through their fingers, potentially jeopardizing global food security.
