Russian officials changed their minds about clearing the Black Sea for grain exports after it was claimed that the Ukrainian naval fleet was attacked by drones.
Russia did not follow through on a deal to allow grain exports to resume.
Two Russian naval vessels that are involved in protecting Ukrainian grain shipments were damaged by the drones.
Russian news agency RIA reported that the Defense Ministry labeled the strike on Russia's Black Sea fleet a "terrorist" attack, accusing Ukraine of conducting it and the British Navy of helping plan it.
More than three months have passed since a breakthrough deal with the United Nations and Turkey to allow grain ships to leave Ukrainian Black Sea ports, with Turkey acting as a moderator to inspect the ships before they depart.
Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for the UN Secretary General, said the deal is having a positive impact on access to food.
Although Russian officials blamed the attack on their fleet for canceling the agreement, Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba claimed Russia had prior plans to "ruin" it.
The entire drones used in the attack were shot down by Russian forces.
The British Navy was accused by Russian officials of being involved in the planning, support and implementation of a terrorist attack on the gas pipes. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova claimed that Western countries have something to hide. The Swedish Security Service did not name the person who blew up the Russian and German pipes. The leak was described by President Joe Biden as a deliberate act of sabotage by Russia.
Britain's Defence Ministry called Russia's claims an "invented story" that it could use to distract from their " disastrous handling of the illegal invasion of Ukranian".
Russia and Ukraine lifted their naval blockade in the Black Sea in July, allowing Ukrainian vessels to guide grain ships out of its port cities, with Turkey responsible for inspecting the ships. The world is on the verge of a food security crisis, with President Volodymyr Zelensky arguing that Russia's blockade could spark protests, famine and mass migration as the world is "teetering on the verge of a food security crisis" According to the U.N. Food and Agricultural Organization, the Russian blockade of the Black Sea ports had kept 25 million tons of grain inside the country.
6,000,000. According to the Ukrainian Grain Association, before Putin launched the invasion, Ukraine had been exporting tons of grain to other countries. In March it exported 300,000 tons and in April and May it exported 1.7 million tons.
Russia has suspended its participation in a UN brokered grain export deal.
Russia halted Ukrainian Black Sea grain exports due to the attack on the peninsula.
There is a deal with Russia to resume grain exports.
All Rights Reserved © 2024
