US: Russia's Suspension of Black Sea Grain Deal Is Irresponsible... Must Restore Quickly

John Kirby, White House NSC Coordinator: "Global Vulnerable Groups at Risk"

The White House condemned Russia's decision to suspend the Black Sea Grain Initiative as a "dangerous and irresponsible act" on the 17th (local time).

John Kirby, Coordinator for Strategic Communications at the White House National Security Council (NSC), stated at a briefing that "(the suspension of the Black Sea Grain Initiative) worsens food shortages and puts millions of vulnerable people worldwide at even greater risk."

He criticized, "This agreement is absolutely crucial to resolving the global food crisis," adding, "Russia has already caused this crisis through its brutal invasion of Ukraine." He continued, "We are already witnessing international surges in the prices of wheat, corn, and soybeans," and emphasized, "We urge the Russian government to immediately revoke this decision."

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken also called Russia "unconscionable" during a briefing on the same day and urged that "the agreement must be restored as soon as possible."

Following Russia's unilateral declaration to suspend the agreement, prices of grains such as wheat rose sharply. On the same day, wheat futures prices at the Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT) increased by 3.0%. Corn and soybean prices also rose by 1.4% and 1.1%, respectively.

The international community views Russia's suspension of the Black Sea Grain Initiative as an attempt to ease Western sanctions. The Black Sea Grain Initiative was established to ensure the safe export of grains from Ukraine and Russia through the Black Sea even during the war. Russia had previously threatened to withdraw from the agreement, claiming that its promises to guarantee the export of its agricultural products and fertilizers had not been fulfilled.

Additionally, the United States stated that Ukraine's attack on the Crimean Bridge was "Ukraine's decision."

Secretary Blinken said, "Ukraine must decide how to conduct the war to defend its territory, people, and freedom."

According to Russia's National Anti-Terrorism Committee (NAC), Ukraine attacked the Crimean Bridge with two underwater drones on the same day, resulting in two deaths and one child injured. Russian President Vladimir Putin said, "Another terrorist act was carried out targeting the Crimean Bridge," and warned of a response.

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