Russia halts wartime deal that allows Ukraine to ship grain in a hit to global food security

Russia halts grain deal from Ukraine to developing nations, citing restrictions. Deal could worsen global food crisis, pushing more people into poverty. UN, Turkiye brokered deal last summer to allow food to leave Black Sea region. Russia has shipped record amounts of wheat, but food insecurity is growing. 45 countries need outside food assistance, with high prices a driver of hunger. Deal allowed 3 Ukrainian ports to export 32.9 million metric tons of grain. Exports dropped from peak of 4.2 million metric tons in Oct. to 1.3 million in May.

Russia said on July 17 it has halted an unprecedented wartime deal that allows grain to flow from Ukraine to countries in Africa, the Middle East and Asia where hunger is a growing threat and high food prices have pushed more people into poverty.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov announced halting the deal in a conference call with reporters, adding that Russia will return to the deal after its demands are met.

“When the part of the Black Sea deal related to Russia is implemented, Russia will immediately return to the implementation of the deal,” Mr. Peskov said.

It's the end of a breakthrough accord that the United Nations and Turkey brokered last summer to allow food to leave the Black Sea region after Russia invaded its neighbour nearly a year and a half ago.

A separate agreement facilitated the movement of Russian food and fertiliser amid Western sanctions.

Also Read | Why allowing Ukraine to ship grain during Russia’s war matters to the world

The warring nations are both major global suppliers of wheat, barley, sunflower oil and other affordable food products that developing nations rely on.