Russia withdraws from Black Sea Grain Dea

Russia has withdrawn from the Black Sea Grain Deal (Black Sea Grain Initiative)—the United Nations and Turkey‑brokered arrangement that had allowed Ukrainian grain to be safely exported by sea despite the ongoing war with Russia. The initiative, first agreed in July 2022, enabled commercial ships to move Ukrainian grain and other foodstuffs from Black Sea ports to global markets, helping to stabilise food supplies and prices around the world. Russia had repeatedly complained that key aspects of the deal—especially provisions meant to facilitate its own food and fertiliser exports—were not fully implemented, and it formally ended its participation in the agreement in mid‑2023, causing the deal to expire. The collapse of the deal carries significant global and regional implications. U.N. officials, including Secretary‑General António Guterres, expressed deep regret over Russia’s decision, warning that ending the arrangement was a blow to food security and could worsen shortages in vulnerable parts of the world. The initiative had seen more than 32 million tonnes of grain exported before its end, supporting markets in Africa, Asia and beyond. Russia has stated it could return to some form of the agreement if its demands regarding agricultural exports are met, but negotiations remain complicated by wider geopolitical tensions, including the war and sanctions issues.