Russia destroyed more than 300,000 tons of grain after withdrawing from the Grain Initiative
7.12.2023 - 09:40
Deputy Permanent Representative of the United States to the United Nations, Ambassador Robert Wood, reminded that Russia destroyed more than 300,000 tons of agricultural products in Ukraine.
As the ambassador noted during the Security Council meeting, the Russian Federation undermines security at sea, threatens international shipping, pursues ships, and attacks maritime infrastructure.
He reminded that after withdrawing from the grain initiative, the Russian Federation destroyed more than 300,000 tons of grain, “which would be enough to feed almost 15 million people for a month.”
And only thanks to the efforts of Ukraine and its partners, the Black Sea humanitarian corridor was opened and the export of food became possible again, which made it possible to deliver more than 6.3 million tons of grain and other goods to international markets since August.
According to the diplomat, Russia is seizing part of the world grain markets, using the export of agricultural products for political influence on countries “which are now dependent on the Russian Federation for food.”
According to Wood, it is not surprising that Russia was not re-elected to the Council of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) for the first time since 1960, given Russia’s blatant disregard for the safety and freedom of the seas.
