BREAKING….Ukraine and Russia sign ‘beacon of hope’ food crisis deal
Summary
Ukraine and Russia agree on a deal to resume grain exports through Ukrainian Black Sea ports.
Russia’s blockade of the ports reduced global grain supplies and increased prices.
Food prices on commodity markets fell after news of the deal emerged.
The deal was signed in Turkey, whose government brokered the deal alongside the UN.
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres called it an “agreement for the world” and a “beacon of hope.”
He also tells the BBC it’s probably the most important thing he’s done as head of the UN.
Ukraine ruled out signing a direct deal with Russia-both sides signed “mirror” deals.
Ukraine and Russia have signed what the UN is calling a landmark deal to end the blockage of million of tonnes of grain exports from Ukraine’s Black Sea ports
The deal, brokered by the UN and Turkey, includes a pledge by Russia not to attack cargo ships carrying grain, or the ports they set sail from – while Ukraine in return has agreed to allow the ships to be inspected, to check they’re not carrying weapons
Speaking from Istanbul, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said the deal would help ease the global food crisis, while Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said it would “hopefully revive the path to peace”
Guterres also told the BBC the deal was probably the most important thing he has done at the UN
Ukraine said it was integral to help mend the country’s finances, while Russia pledged not to “take advantage” of the ports reopening
There has been cautious optimism from global leaders, with UK Foreign Secretary Liz Truss saying Russia will be closely monitored to ensure it delivers on its promises.
