The United States is speaking out against Russia’s recent attacks on Ukrainian grain, imploring them to rejoin Black Sea Grain Deal discussions.
Russia publicly announced that all ships heading towards Ukrainian ports in the Black Sea will be treated as potential carriers of military cargo. The Principal Deputy Spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State Vedant Patel called this move an unacceptable escalation, saying it just adds to the extensive damage Russia has already caused for the world’s supply of crops.
“Since Russia’s termination of its participation in the Black Sea Grain Initiative, Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has reported that Russia has attacked 26 port infrastructure facilities and destroyed over 220,000 tons of grain,” Patel said.
According to Patel, the U.S. is urging Russia to rejoin the Black Sea Grain Deal immediately—especially as undeveloped Middle Eastern and African countries are suffering from increased food insecurity.
