Europe Harshly Criticises Russia's Move to Withdraw from Black Sea Grain Initiative

European leaders and foreign ministers have strongly condemned Russia's withdrawal from the Black Sea Grain Initiative, stressing that this is an attempt to use the food issue as a weapon.

President of Latvia Edgars Rinkēvičs stressed that Russia's withdrawal from the Black Sea Grain Initiative and the attack on Odesa Oblast and the port of Odesa are further evidence that Russia is trying to use the food issue as a weapon. "Russia bears full responsibility for all the consequences of these actions," the president tweeted.

Russia's withdrawal from the Black Sea Grain Initiative and last night's bombing of Odessa region, including the port, is another proof of the Russian criminal tactic to weaponise the food

Russia bears full responsibility for all the consequences of these actions

— Edgars Rinkēvičs (@edgarsrinkevics) July 18, 2023

The UK Foreign Secretary, James Cleverly, stated that London strongly condemns the Kremlin's decision.

"Putin is using food as a weapon… This decision hurts the world’s poorest," Cleverly stated on Twitter.

Putin is using food as a weapon.

The UK strongly condemns Russia’s withdrawal from the Black Sea Grain Initiative.

This decision hurts the world’s poorest.

— James Cleverly🇬🇧 (@JamesCleverly) July 17, 2023

Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billström also stressed that Russia is using the food issue as a tool of war, aware that it will affect developing countries.

Att Ryssland drar sig ur Svarta Havs-avtalet om spannmålsutförsel och samtidigt bombar hamnen i Odessa är ett tydligt bevis på hur Ryssland förvandlar livsmedel till ett vapen – riktat mot världens fattiga länder. Upp till kamp mot denna skurkstat!

Slava Ukraini! 🇸🇪💙🇺🇦

— Tobias Billström (@TobiasBillstrom) July 18, 2023

"We need to fight this rogue state," he added.

On 17 July, Russia announced the withdrawal of shipping security guarantees under the Black Sea Grain Initiative.

Ukraine appealed to Türkiye and the UN with a proposal to extend the grain corridor under the Black Sea Grain Initiative without Russia, which has withdrawn from the agreements.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan states that he believes Russian President Putin wants to extend the agreement and will discuss it with him.