**Russia Blames Western Sanctions for Collapse of UN Food Deal**
In a move that could have significant implications for global food security, Russia has claimed that its agreement with the United Nations to facilitate Russian food exports has collapsed due to Western sanctions imposed after the invasion of Ukraine.
The three-year deal was first signed in 2022 as part of an effort to bring down global food prices. It allowed Russia to export its food and fertilizer products despite wartime sanctions, which were put in place by countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Union. However, it appears that disagreements over the terms of the deal have led to its collapse.
According to a source close to the discussions, the UN has announced that the agreement will not be renewed. The Russian Foreign Ministry issued a statement blaming Western sanctions for the collapse of the deal, saying that they had made it impossible to successfully complete the objectives of the agreement.
“Given the destructive line of Western capitals to increase illegal unilateral sanctions against Russia, none of the objectives (of the agreement) have been successfully completed,” the ministry said. The statement also called for talks between Moscow and the UN to continue in order to ensure “global food security.”
**The Impact of Sanctions on Russian Exports**
Sanctions imposed on Russia following the invasion of Ukraine did not directly target Russian grain and fertilizers, but they did have an impact on the country’s ability to export these products. Transporters were wary of violating international law, and insurance premiums shot up as a result. The UN and Russia worked intensively to establish a framework for insurance and financial transactions in line with Western sanctions.
Despite this effort, Russia had been complaining regularly that the deal was not doing enough to facilitate exports. The country’s withdrawal from the agreement was seen as a major blow to global food security, particularly given the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
**A Blow to Global Food Security**
The collapse of the Russian-UN deal is likely to have significant implications for global food security. Russia is one of the world’s largest exporters of grain and fertilizer, and its ability to export these products was seen as a key part of maintaining stability in the global food market.
As the conflict between Russia and Ukraine continues to escalate, it remains to be seen how this latest development will impact global food prices and availability. One thing is certain: the collapse of the Russian-UN deal has added another layer of complexity to an already fraught situation.
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