London regrets that Russia’s illegal war has obstructed free flow of grain
British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly on Monday condemned Russia’s decision to abandon the Black Sea agreements and lamented that its “illegal war” with Ukraine has “obstructed” the free flow of grain and other foodstuffs through the Black Sea “causing global suffering”.
In a statement released by the Foreign Office, Cleverly alluded to Russia’s stance on the agreements allowing Ukrainian grain exports.“” Russia’s illegal war against Ukraine has obstructed the free flow of grain and other foodstuffs across the Black Sea, causing global suffering,” the minister said.
The UK urged Russia to “rejoin the initiative, which was developed by the UN in 2022, and allow the unimpeded export of grain”.
Cleverly points out that “while grain exports from Ukraine are restricted, Russian food exports are at higher levels than before the invasion”.
“We have always made clear that the target of our sanctions is Russia’s war machine, not the food and fertiliser sectors,” the note recalls.
It adds that “contrary to Russia’s claims, the UN and other partners have taken significant steps to ensure that Russian food can access world markets”.
“The best way for Russia to address global food security concerns would be to withdraw its forces from Ukraine and end the war,” the minister adds.
