Ms. DiCarlo strongly condemned this week’s aerial strikes on the ports of Odesa, Chornomorsk and Mykolaiv, which destroyed critical infrastructure and killed or injured civilians.
The attacks followed Russia’s decision on Monday to effectively end the Black Sea Initiative, the UN-brokered accord that facilitates Ukrainian grain and food shipments to international markets at a time of rising global food prices and rising hunger.
Ms. DiCarlo said that these events are the latest developments in “Russia’s senseless war against its neighbor”, with consequences that will be felt around the world.
Safety guarantees are removed
“Russia’s termination of its participation in the Black Sea Initiative, combined with the bombing of key ports, will further exacerbate the crisis,” he warned.
By terminating the agreement, Moscow also withdrew security guarantees for ships sailing in the northwestern part of the Black Sea.
Ms. DiCarlo said food prices have risen worldwide since the collapse, thus adding to the agricultural, energy and financial crises that are already affecting the world’s most vulnerable people.
Death and destruction
“We are now witnessing a further explosion in global food security, as Russia has for the fourth consecutive day struck Ukraine’s Black Sea ports of Odesa, Chornomorsk and Mykolaiv with missiles and drones, destroying critical port infrastructure, facilities and grain supplies,” he said.
The airstrikes resulted in civilian casualties, he added. One person was reported dead in Odessa on Thursday, and at least eight were injured, while two people were reported dead and 19 injured in Mykolaiv.
“We strongly condemn these attacks and urge Russia to stop them immediately,” he said, noting that such incidents could be a violation of international humanitarian law.
“The new wave of attacks on Ukrainian ports risks having a significant impact on global food security, especially in developing countries,” he said.
The threat of sea mines
Ms. also revealed. DiCarlo was concerned by reports of sea mines placed in the Black Sea, which would endanger civilian ships. He urged refraining from any further rhetoric or action that would harm the already dangerous situation.
“Any risk of conflict erupting due to a military incident in the Black Sea – whether intentional or accidental – must be avoided at all costs, as it could result in potentially catastrophic consequences for all of us,” he said.
An ongoing commitment
Ms. emphasized. DiCarlo is committed to the UN to ensure that food and fertilizers from Ukraine and Russia can continue to reach world markets.
This message was echoed by UN Humanitarian Coordinator Martin Griffiths, who recalled that 362 million people in 69 countries depend on aid to survive. Russia’s withdrawal from the Black Sea Initiative was “very disappointing” while the port strikes were alarming, he said.
The concern for farmers in Ukraine
“The farmers, as we can imagine, are watching this night’s attack with great concern as they are now harvesting crops that have been nurtured in the shadow of war,” he told the Council.
Mr. Griffiths reported that world grain prices increased this week, citing information from the World Food Program (WFP). On Wednesday, wheat and corn futures rose by nearly nine percent and eight percent, respectively, and the higher prices will be felt by many families in developing countries that are already at risk.
He further warned that “escalatory rhetoric” also threatens to further undermine the safe transportation of foodstuffs through the Black Sea. Without access to ports or world markets, farmers had no choice but to stop farming.
“In addition to the global effects, this will have an immediate impact on local food prices and the stability of the Ukrainian economy. This in turn will affect food security within Ukraine and the region,” he added.