July 17, 2023
The United States deeply regrets Russia’s decision to suspend its participation in the Black Sea Grain Initiative. The Russian government’s ongoing weaponization of food exacerbates global food insecurity, affecting millions of vulnerable individuals worldwide.
Since August 2022, the Black Sea Grain Initiative has facilitated the shipment of over 32 million metric tons of Ukrainian grain and foodstuffs to international markets, including some of the world’s most food-insecure regions, such as the Horn of Africa, the Sahel, Yemen, and Afghanistan. Each shipment under the Initiative has played a critical role in alleviating global food shortages by stabilizing food prices and increasing supply.
Contrary to Russia’s assertions, the United Nations has actively facilitated record levels of Russian food exports, working closely with the private sector and coordinating with the United States, the European Union, and the United Kingdom to address any concerns raised by Russia. As consistently stated, there are no G7 sanctions on Russian food and fertilizer exports. Additionally, Russia does not contribute to the World Food Program, and its exports primarily benefit higher-income countries rather than those most in need.
This decision aligns with Russia’s recent veto of a UN Security Council resolution that sought to reauthorize critical cross-border humanitarian aid for Syrians. Such actions only serve to deepen the suffering of the world’s most vulnerable populations.
The United States appreciates the efforts of the United Nations and Türkiye in striving to extend the Black Sea Grain Initiative and ensuring the continued flow of both Ukrainian and Russian grain to global markets. We urge the Russian government to reconsider its stance, return to negotiations, and fully reinstate and expand the Initiative to support the millions who rely on Ukrainian grain.
(Source)