U.S. envoy to UN: Russia has zero legitimate reason to suspend grain deal

Russia’s statements on suspending their participation in the Black Sea Grain Initiative have no legal grounds behind them as Moscow simply blackmails the world and at the same time increases own grain sales at higher prices.

That’s according to the U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield, who spoke at a meeting on Friday, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

“Let's be clear. Russia has zero, zero legitimate reason to suspend its participation in this arrangement. They would have you believe that sanctions have blocked their exports. That couldn't be further from the truth. They were exporting more grains than ever before and at higher prices,” the diplomat noted.

She underlined the fact that Russia is simply using the Black Sea as “blackmail.”

“It's playing political games is holding humanity hostage,” Thomas-Greenfield stressed.

She recalled that the United Nations, Türkiye, and Ukraine had said publicly they wanted the grain arrangement to continue.

“The world clearly wants this arrangement to continue. Now, in the eyes of the world are on you, Russia,” the U.S. representative said, addressing the Russian delegation attending the meeting.

She noted that “it is not too late for Moscow to reverse this decision and extend, expand, and fully implement the Black Sea Grain Initiative.”

As Ukrinform reported earlier, the UN insists that due to Russia’s withdrawal from the grain initiative and the impending threat to sea navigation in the Black Sea area, food prices across the world are rising, further deepening energy and financial crises.