Ukraine grain deal: why is Russia pulling out?

Foreign Media reported that Russia has said that it was suspending its participation in a crucial deal that allowed the export of Ukrainian grain, once again raising fears over global food supplies. The agreement, brokered by Turkey and the United Nations in July 2022, was officially set to expire at 5 p.m. Eastern Time on Monday (17). 

Moscow struck Ukraine's port of Odesa with missiles and drones on Tuesday, a day after pulling out of a U.N.- backed deal.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Monday (17) that Russia would not renew the pact right now, saying it “has been terminated.”

The deal allowed Ukraine to export grain by sea, with ships bypassing a Russian blockade of the country’s Black Sea ports and navigating safe passage through the waterway to Turkey’s Bosphorus Strait in order to reach global markets.

According to the European Commission, Ukraine accounts for 10% of the world wheat market, 15% of the corn market, and 13% of the barley market. It is also a key global player in the market of sunflower oil.

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), a United Nations body, warned at the time that as many as 47 million people could be pushed into acute food insecurity because of the war.

Meanwhile Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that no one has the right to destroy the food security of any nation and the world has an opportunity to show Russia that it does not allow blackmail.

Describing the need to be protected from “Russian madness” following Moscow’s withdrawal from the Black Sea grain deal on Monday, Zelenskyy said the export of grain from Ukraine’s seaports should continue, with or without Russia’s participation.

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said that millions of people facing hunger will "pay the price" of Russia's decision to exit the Ukraine grain deal.

The UN chief added that he deeply regretted Russia's decision but added it would not stop the world body's efforts to "facilitate the unimpeded access" to global markets of food and fertilizers from Ukraine and Russia.

Russia struck Ukraine's port of Odesa with missiles and drones on Tuesday, a day after pulling out of a U.N.-backed deal to let Kyiv export grain, and Ukrainian officials said Moscow was attempting to go back on the offensive in the east.

Kyiv's air force said six Kalibr missiles and 31 out of 36 drones, were shot down, mostly over the coastal Odesa and Mykolaiv regions in the south.