The President of the European Council, Charles Michel, has strongly urged Russia to cease its blockade of Ukrainian seaports, following Russia’s withdrawal from a United Nations and Turkey-mediated grain agreement. Speaking in New Delhi ahead of the G20 summit, Michel expressed his dismay at Russia’s actions, labeling them as “frankly scandalous.” The tension in the region has escalated since Russia’s withdrawal from the grain agreement in July, with both sides engaging in attacks on export hubs and naval ports.
Michel highlighted the importance of ensuring safe access to the Black Sea for grain shipments, emphasizing that the UN initiative had initially delivered 32 million tonnes of grain to the market, particularly benefiting developing countries. Ukraine and Russia are significant exporters of grain and seed oil, and last year’s agreement played a crucial role in stabilizing global food prices and providing Ukraine with essential revenue to support its efforts in the ongoing conflict.
The European Council President criticized the Kremlin’s recent offer to supply one million tonnes of grain to African countries as “absolutely cynical,” asserting that Russia’s actions in attacking Ukrainian seaports were exacerbating the global food crisis. Michel pointed out that over 250 million people worldwide face acute food insecurity, and Russia’s deliberate targeting of Ukraine’s seaports further compounds this crisis. Notably, President Vladimir Putin has chosen not to attend the G20 summit in India, reflecting the strained relations between Moscow and several bloc members due to the ongoing war in Ukraine. Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov will represent Russia at the summit.
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