Russia announced it would not continue to participate in the Black Sea Grain Deal today, just hours after an attack on the Kerch Bridge in Crimea.
Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the EU Commission, has fiercely condemned Russia’s move. Shockingly, this comes despite the determined efforts of the UN and Türkiye.
So, the EU has to step up now. And they are trying to ensure food security for the world’s vulnerable.
But this doesn’t deter von der Leyen or the EU. They pledge to continue exporting agri-food products from Ukraine to global markets. Many countries, including those with lower economic standing, rely upon these resources, such as Egypt and Indonesia.
However, there’s frustration in some quarters. They consider EU should stop exporting second-hand machines and dishwashers to Russia; perhaps they will be forced to renew the grain deal.
Yet, others maintain that Türkiye can resolve this issue, despite a lack of support. Türkiye demands more respect and vision in its relationship with the EU. But the patience and skill for this aren’t sure yet.
Meanwhile, the termination of the grain initiative adds to Putin’s list of crimes. The world needs to resist Russian aggression more vigorously. Victory for Ukraine, they say, is the ultimate goal.
So, Putin needs help to regain his global stature following the Wagner debacle. Critics claim his latest move is misguided, increasing the world’s dislike for him. And harsh consequences for such unilateral decisions are eagerly anticipated.
