EU High Representative urges Russia to revert decision to exit Black Sea grain deal
Borrell urges Russia to revert decision to exit grain deal (Photo:Julien Warnand / Pool via REUTERS)
High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell called on Russia to revert its decision to exit the Black Sea grain deal in a tweet on Oct. 30.
”Russia’s decision to suspend participation in the Black Sea deal puts at risks the main export route of much-needed grain and fertilizers to address the global food crisis caused by its war against Ukraine,” Borrell said on Twitter.
“The EU urges Russia to revert its decision.”
On Oct. 29, the Russian government announced it would pull out of a deal on Ukrainian grain exports from Black Sea ports.
Russia said its decision had been caused by Oct. 29 explosions in the Sevastopol Bay in Russia-occupied Crimea.
Russians falsely accused Ukraine and the UK for targeting civilian vessels “involved in ensuring the security of the grain corridor.”
The Russian Defense Ministry announced there had been allegedly “minor damage” caused to Russia’s minesweeper Ivan Golubets as a result of a “drone attack” in Sevastopol. Simultaneously, local media reported about the damage to the Admiral Makarov frigate, which is a carrier of cruise missiles and was repeatedly used for shelling Ukraine.
The GeoConfirmed Investigation initiative managed by volunteers showed at least three Russian warships were affected, in particular the flagship Admiral Makarov. They also think it was an operation conducted by the Ukrainian side with drones.
However, there is no official confirmation on real damage suffered by the Russian warships in Sevastopol. The Ukrainian military suggested it could have been caused by failed launches of Russian missiles.
At the same time, the Kyiv government called Moscow’s exit from the grain deal “food blackmail” and emphasized that Russia was withdrawing from the agreement under a false pretext.
Ukraine’s Infrastructure Ministry emphasized that Ukraine is ready to continue operating with the framework of the grain initiative.
In turn, the United Nations urged “all parties” to refrain from any actions that could jeopardize the implementation of the agreement, adding they were in contact with the Russian authorities.
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