World leaders are raising their voices against Russia’s decision on grain exports. Secretary of State Antony Blinken harshly criticized Russia. “Russia’s refusal to extend the Black Sea Grain Initiative harms millions of hungry people globally,” he stated. He branded the act of using food as a weapon as unconscionable. Consequently, he urged Russia to reverse its decision.
Similarly, António Guterres, the Secretary-General of the UN, expressed his deep regret. He highlighted the Initiative as a crucial lifeline for global food security. “Millions facing hunger and a global cost-of-living crisis will bear the brunt of this decision,” he reflected gloomily.
In addition, the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, condemned the Kremlin’s decision. He asserted that no one should disrupt a nation’s food security. Zelensky envisions a world where everyone is entitled to stability. Hence, he reiterated Ukraine’s commitment to global food security last year with the Black Sea Grain Initiative.
Supporting his commitment, Zelensky mentioned that almost 33 million tonnes of agricultural products reached 45 countries under the Initiative. Consequently, he sent out proposals to continue the Black Sea Grain Initiative, targeting President Erdogan of Türkiye and UN Secretary-General Guterres as crucial allies in this cause.
In a reporter’s question, when questioned about the explosion of the Crimean Bridge, Zelensky responded: “I don’t know.” This statement added an unexpected twist to the already complex situation. As world leaders grapple with overcoming the food security crisis, it’s clear there are also other geopolitical tensions at play.
