Following Kremlin’s announcement about withdrawal from the Grain Deal, on 19 July Russia launched a massive missile and drone attack on Ukrainian grain export infrastructure. By doing so, Putin’s Russia tries to make famine its weapon in the international arena. Termination of the Grain Deal and destruction of grain export facilities will inevitably lead to an increase in grain prices, which will have the worst effect on low-income countries.

Over 400 million people around the world rely on vital Ukrainian grain supplies to ensure their food security, mainly in countries in Asia and Africa.

By refusing to extend its participation in the Black Sea Grain Initiative, Russia puts millions of people around the world at risk of hunger and provokes rising food prices.

This is part of a deliberate Russian strategy to destabilize countries in Asia and Africa. Russian terrorists want the acute food crisis to trigger social unrest, migration, and political crisis.

Right after killing the Grain Deal, Russia demonstrated its true attitude toward global food security by attacking key Ukrainian seaports, Odesa and Chornomorsk, with numerous missiles and drones. Russia deliberately strikes Ukrainian cities, which are vital for global food security, in order to achieve its political goals. 

We urge the international community to join Ukraine’s efforts to save vital grain exports to the world and take a principled stance. Together, we must protect those most vulnerable around the world whom Russia tries to hurt.

We call on all UN member states to support this effort and ensure the protection of life—not only in Ukraine but around the globe. From Morocco to China, from Indonesia to Lebanon.

By taking joint and resolute actions, we must ensure that Russian food blackmail fails and guarantee unhindered Ukrainian food exports even without relying on any Russian approvals.