Zelensky discussed with Guterres possibility of extending grain deal

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky discussed with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres the possibility of extending the grain deal, despite Russia's attempt to disrupt the extension of this agreement.

This is reported with reference to the President's statement.

According to Zelensky, the Kremlin's actions are another attempt to "weaponize hunger and destabilize the global food market."

"The terrorist state has jeopardized the lives of 400 million people in different countries who depend on Ukrainian food exports," the president emphasized.

Zelensky also named the countries in Africa and Asia where the most critical situation is observed: Somalia, Ethiopia, South Sudan and Yemen.

"The Black Sea Grain Initiative must be preserved. We have agreed with Mr. Guterres to work together and with the responsible states to restore food security and food supply via the Black Sea routes," the head of state said.

As a reminder, yesterday, Russian Presidential Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov officially announced that Russia would not extend the agreement.

Author – Anastasiya Glotova, 18/07/2023