Following Russia’s decision to terminate the agreement on Ukrainian cereal exports, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Vershinin sought to reassure African countries by stating that alternative solutions would be found.
The recent decision by Russia to end the agreement on Ukrainian cereal exports has raised concerns among African countries, which partly rely on imports of Russian cereals. During a press conference on Friday, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Vershinin expressed understanding regarding these concerns and assured that measures would be taken to address the cereal needs of African countries.
Vershinin emphasized that “routes” for the delivery of Russian cereals were being developed to ensure that countries in need would receive the necessary cereals. He also mentioned the upcoming Russia-Africa Summit scheduled for the end of July in St. Petersburg, where these issues will likely be further discussed.
Russia justifies its withdrawal from the agreement by stating that international sanctions prevent it from carrying out its agricultural products and fertilizer deliveries. However, the deputy minister emphasized that Russia remains a crucial player for the Black Sea region countries in terms of food security.
Concurrently, tensions between Russia and Ukraine have escalated with statements concerning civilian vessels in the Black Sea. Russia now regards these vessels as “potential military boats,” while Ukraine has warned that it will treat boats heading to Moscow-controlled ports as potential carriers of military equipment. Russian strikes in the Odessa region have also been denounced by Kiev, accusing Moscow of deliberately targeting agricultural and port infrastructure to hinder exports.
