Russia "Black Sea Grain Initiative Invalid from Today... Will Return if Promises Are Fulfilled" (Comprehensive)

Deadline Scheduled for Expiration on This Day After Third Extension
Previous Multiple Interruptions of Agreement Also Occurred

Russia has decided to suspend the 'Black Sea Grain Initiative.' This effectively ends the export of Ukrainian grain through the Black Sea, which had been allowed even after Russia's invasion of Ukraine. However, Russia left open the possibility of immediately rejoining the agreement if its demands are met. The European Union (EU) strongly condemned this move and emphasized that exports would continue through the so-called 'EU Solidarity Lanes,' which allow Ukrainian agricultural products to be exported to third countries via Eastern European EU member states.

According to major foreign media on the 17th (local time), Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin spokesperson, said in a phone briefing with reporters that "Unfortunately, because Russia-related matters have not been fulfilled, the agreement has lost its effect," adding, "From today, the agreement is null and void."

On April 26, a resident in Izmail, Odesa Oblast, southwestern Ukraine, is seen attaching a flag to a boat. (Photo by AP Yonhap News)

Peskov further explained, "As Russia previously stated, the deadline for the agreement is the 17th (today)," and "Unfortunately, Russia-related matters have not yet been fulfilled, so the agreement has ended."

However, he emphasized, "Although the agreement has been suspended, Russia will return to implementing the agreement as soon as Russia-related matters are fulfilled."

Russia and Ukraine signed the Black Sea Grain Initiative last July under the mediation of the United Nations and T?rkiye to guarantee the safety of grain export ships in the Black Sea. The agreement was initially implemented for 120 days but has since been extended every 60 days.

Russia has threatened to withdraw from the agreement, claiming that promises to guarantee the export of its agricultural products and fertilizers have not been kept. The agreement was set to expire on this day after being extended for the third time on May 17.

Russia has previously suspended the agreement several times, citing issues such as Ukrainian attacks or the implementation of the agreement. In November last year, Russia suspended participation, claiming Ukraine attacked the Black Sea Fleet in Crimea, but later rejoined. In April and May, the implementation of the agreement was halted for several days as Russia refused ship inspections.

Additionally, Peskov reported that President Putin was briefed on the Crimean Bridge attack that occurred today and ordered its restoration.

Regarding Russia's Foreign Ministry statement accusing the United States and the United Kingdom of involvement in this attack, he said, "We know who is behind this attack," and "We also know how deep the cooperation between Ukraine and the West is."

According to Russian authorities, an emergency occurred on the Crimean Bridge this morning, resulting in two deaths and one child injured. The Crimean Bridge has served as a crucial supply route for Russian forces in the Ukraine war.

In response, Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, strongly condemned Russia on Twitter. She stated, "The EU is working to ensure food security for vulnerable populations worldwide," and emphasized that exports would continue through the so-called 'EU Solidarity Lanes,' which allow Ukrainian agricultural products to be exported to third countries via Eastern European EU member states.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.