Russia Refuses to Rejoin Black Sea Grain Agreement Amid Ongoing Conflict

Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko stated that his country does not see any grounds for reviving the Black Sea grain agreement, which allowed the safe exportation of almost 33 million metric tonnes of Ukrainian grain via the Black Sea in 2022. The agreement was mediated by the United Nations and Turkey but was withdrawn by Russia in 2023 due to alleged obstacles in its food and fertiliser imports.

Grushko mentioned that a substantial part of the agreement was not implemented, leading to Russia's decision to withdraw from it. He also stated that there were no changes in the West's position on the matter.

In related news, Russia continued to attack Ukraine's Black Sea and Danube River export facilities, damaging infrastructure and injuring 3 people in Odesa, Ukraine's largest seaport. This move has led to an increase in global wheat prices.