Russia blocking grain export deal to put pressure on global agricultural market - Zelensky

Russia is blocking the work of the Black Sea Grain Initiative in order to put pressure on the global agricultural market.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said this in an interview with representatives of African media outlets, according to the presidential press service.

"For Russia, this is a format of dumping on the grain and agricultural products market in order to block Ukraine and be the only major exporter from this region. It is absolutely clear: they use pressure to solve their political issues, and to make money for their companies. Pressure on the countries of Africa, Asia, and the European continent. They did the same with energy: gas, energy resources, oil," Zelensky said.

Russia on Monday announced its exit from the grain export deal that was signed on July 22, 2022 in Istanbul for 120 days and was extended several times.

Photo: Office of the President of Ukraine