The European Union has urged Russia to reconsider its decision and immediately resume implementation of the Black Sea Grain Initiative.

Josep Borrell, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, on behalf of the entire EU, stated on Monday, 17 July that Russia is continuing to use food as a weapon.

Borrell added that by tearing up the agreements, Russia is single-handedly blocking one of the important main routes for grain exports from Ukraine and is solely responsible for disruptions in grain supplies around the world and rising food prices.

"The EU urges Russia to reconsider its decision and immediately resume implementation of the Black Sea Grain Initiative," the statement said.

The EU will make every effort to continue to support the timely and stable delivery of all goods, especially agricultural products, to world markets through the Solidarity Lanes between the EU and Ukraine.

Borrell added that the EU will continue its work with affected partner countries to address global food security and support all efforts to restore the Black Sea Grain Initiative.

On 17 July, Russia announced the withdrawal of the shipping security guarantees under the Black Sea Grain Initiative, which ceased to be in effect on Monday, 17 July.

Ukraine has proposed to Türkiye and the UN that the grain corridor under the Black Sea Grain Initiative should continue to function without Russia, which withdrew from the agreements.

At the same time, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said he believed that the Russian president actually wanted to extend the so-called "grain deal" and would talk to him about it.