UN insists on ‘full commitment’ to Ukraine grain deal as Russia offers 60-day extension

Russia announced earlier that it will accept it 60-day extensionwhich is half the number of days we received when it first ended in November.

The UN agreement was also supported by Türkiye in Istanbul – which includes a Memorandum of Understanding between Russia and the UN to facilitate fertilizer exports – has allowed exports of 24 million Metric Tonne of grain, and over 1,600 safe vessel voyages through the Black Sea, including 55 percent of food exports go to developing countriessaid a note released to the press in Geneva.

Talks with Russia

The news release follows discussions with a Russian high representative on Monday at the UN in Geneva with top UN officials who facilitated the agreement on behalf of Secretary General António Guterres; Business and Development Manager Rebeca Grynspan, and head of relief, Martin Griffiths.

“The UN Secretary General has confirmed that The UN will do everything possible to maintain stability of the Black Sea Grain Initiative and check your progress“, said the Note to the Press.

“The UN’s support for the agreements made in Istanbul is part of the global response to the most severe cost-of-living crisis in a generation.”

The UN is committed to commitments

The UN Secretary General stated that the UN “and remains fully committed to the origin of the Black Sea Seed, as well as to efforts to facilitate the export of Russian food and fertilizer.”

The FAO Food Price Index covering a basket of essential foods has now fallen for 10 consecutive months after reaching record highs in March last year, “reflecting the positive impact of both agreements on global food prices”, the statement continued.

HE said so note the announcement made about the extension of the Black Sea Grain Initiative for 60 days by Russia.

‘Positive impact on global food security’

The two agreements have also had a “positive impact on global food security”, with millions of tonnes of grain reaching world markets, to ease the supply chain crisis that has largely arisen from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

“The development of the Black Sea Grain initiative is essential for global food securityas grain and fertilizer prices and availability have not returned to pre-war levels, causing hardship especially in developing countries”, the statement concluded.