Russia halts participation in the Black Sea Grain Initiative, the UN-backed deal that reopened Ukraine’s ports to feed countries around the world

The Sierra Leone-flagged cargo ship Razoni, carrying Ukrainian grain, is seen in the Black Sea off Kilyos, near Istanbul, Turkey August 3, 2022.

The Black Sea Grain Initiative was suspended by Moscow due to the reopening of Ukrainian ports for agricultural product export.

Russia's Ministry of Defense said on Saturday that it would stop participating because of the "act of terrorism" against Russian warships. The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that the Ukrainian armed forces launched air and sea strikes against ships and infrastructure of the Russian Black Sea Fleet.

At least 15 drones were involved in the predawn attack.

The Foreign Minister of Ukraine said that Russia was using the attack as a pretext to block the grain corridor.

The Black Sea Grain Initiative has been warned of Russia's plans. I call on all states to demand that Russia stop playing with its people.

Prior to the war, Russia and Ukraine accounted for 25% of global grain exports.

The United States Department of Agriculture says that Ukraine is the world's top producer and exporter of sunflowers. The world's seventh- largest wheat producer is Ukraine.

The grain harvester collects wheat on the field near the village of Zgurivka in the Kyiv region, while Russia continues the war against Ukraine. August 9, 2022.

The reopening of three key Ukrainian ports was achieved thanks to the Black Sea Grain Initiative. On August 1st, the first vessel left Odesa carrying more than 25,000 metric tons of corn. More than 400 ships carrying 9 million metric tons have left Ukrainian ports since then.

Spain has accepted most of the agricultural products that have been received from the initiative.

The deal to create the sea corridor in Istanbul was signed in July by representatives from Turkey, Russia, and the U.N. The agreement has helped address the food crisis caused by the war between Russia and its neighbor.

The United Nations is in contact with Russian authorities on the matter.

Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for the U.N. Secretary, wrote that the Black Sea Grain Initiative is a critical humanitarian effort that is having a positive impact on access to food for millions of people around the world.

The Joint Coordination Center in Istanbul is in charge of the export of agricultural products from Ukraine.