Kyiv - Biden warned of an imminent increase in global hunger after Russia’s suspension of a U.N.-brokered deal to allow safe passage for ships carrying Ukrainian grain this Saturday.
“It’s really outrageous,” said Biden speaking in Wilmington, Delaware, on Saturday. “There’s no merit to what they’re doing. The U.N. negotiated that deal and that should be the end of it.”
Russia announced the suspension alleging that Ukraine staged a drone attack Saturday against Russia’s Black Sea Fleet ships off the coast of occupied Crimea. Ukraine has denied the attack, saying that Russia mishandled its own weapons.
The grain initiative has allowed more than 9 million tons of grain in 397 ships to safely leave Ukrainian ports since it was signed in July, and the U.N. chief on Friday urged Russia and Ukraine to renew the deal when it expires in late November. The grain agreement has succeeded in bringing down global food prices, which have fallen about 15% from their peak in March, according to the United Nations.
Zelensky called the decision predictable and said Russia has been deliberately aggravating the food crisis since September. Around 176 ships loaded with grain are being prevented from sailing from Ukraine’s ports, said Zelensky.
“This is food for more than 7 million consumers. … Why is it that a handful of people somewhere in the Kremlin can decide whether there will be food on the tables of people in Egypt or Bangladesh?” he said Saturday in his nightly address to the nation.
Russia’s action is facing international condemnation. European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell urged Russia to reverse its decision in a tweet Sunday. Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for the U.N. secretary general, said the world body is in touch with Russian authorities about the decision and that it’s vital all parties refrain from any actions that would impede the grain initiative.
In the past 24 hours, Russian missiles killed at least five people and wounded nine, according to Zelenskyy’s office. In fierce fighting in Ukraine’s east, Russia is trying to capture the city of Bakhmut and several villages in the area have been shelled.
-Ap