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2022.10.30 16:52 GMT+8

EU urges Russia to resume role in Ukraine grain export deal

Updated 2022.10.30 19:14 GMT+8
CGTN

The European Union on Sunday urged Russia to reverse its decision to suspend participation in a vital Ukraine grain export deal. 

"Russia's decision to suspend participation in the Black Sea deal puts at risk the main export route of much-needed grain and fertilizers to address the global food crisis caused by its war against Ukraine," the bloc's foreign policy chief Josep Borrell tweeted. "The EU urges Russia to revert its decision." 

Russia said it would not participate in the deal after Ukraine attacked its Black Sea Fleet and civilian ships in Sevastopol port on Saturday. It said the attacked Black Sea Fleet ships were involved in ensuring the security of the grain corridor used to export agricultural goods from Ukrainian ports.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Sunday said the Russian decision was "predictable" and accused Russia of deliberately delaying the functioning of the corridor and seeking to undermine the deal since September. 

Russia's decision also drew criticism from some Western countries, including the U.S., with President Joe Biden denouncing it as "purely outrageous," saying it would increase starvation.

Russia's ambassador to Washington, Anatoly Antonov, on Sunday scolded the U.S. for its remark and blasted it for not showing any sign of condemnation toward Kyiv's Sevastopol port attack.

However, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said the Russian leadership, including President Vladimir Putin, remains ready to negotiate on Ukraine and talk with the West, only if there are realistic proposals based on equal approaches, according to an interview with local broadcaster Channel One Russia aired on Sunday.

(With input from AFP)

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