Russia continues to interfere with the normal operation of the “Black Sea grain deal” – U.S. State Department

The U.S. State Department has called “clear violations” of the Black Sea Grain Initiative by Russia, which is trying to impede maritime traffic with Ukrainian grain in one of the three seaports stipulated by the agreement.

This was stated on Tuesday during a press briefing in Washington, D.C., by U.S. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller,

“Russia continues to impede the normal operation of this rescue initiative,” Miller emphasized.

He noted that this is not something new, as Russia has been complaining and openly obstructing the initiative since the ink was dry on the first grain deal.

“We must clearly understand what is happening here: the parties agreed to ensure unimpeded exports of Ukrainian food from three ports. Now Russia is refusing to allow ships to enter one of these three, and this is a clear violation of their obligations under the Black Sea Grain Initiative,” Miller explained.

He reminded that such obstruction by the Russian Federation and threats to withdraw from the agreement threaten to raise world food prices and reduce the availability of food for countries that need it most.

“We once again call on Russia to stop holding global food supplies hostage,” said the US State Department spokesman.

Tags: USA, Black Sea grain deal, Ukraine, Russia, export, grain