In making this decision, Russia also revoked guarantees of safe passage for ships carrying grain and other foodstuffs sailing in the northwestern part of the Black Sea.
Last year, the Initiative facilitated the export of more than 30 million tons of Ukrainian grain to world markets through three Black Sea ports, including Odesa.
The grain deal was stalled
The Black Sea Initiative was agreed by Russia, Ukraine, Turkey and the UN in Istanbul in July, along with a joint agreement between the UN and Russia on the export of grain and fertilizer, known as the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
According to news reports, at least three people were killed in the third consecutive night of airstrikes on Wednesday through Thursday, targeting Ukrainian port facilities.
At least 19 people were injured in Mykolaiv, a city near the Black Sea, including a child, according to Ukrainian officials.
Head of communication for the UN aid coordination office OCHA in Ukraine, Saviano Abreu, tweeting the “terrible” attack on the city took place right in the center. Humanitarians support families whose homes have been hit, and provide emergency support including cash aid.
Russian contradiction
In a statement released by UN spokesman Stéphane Dujarric, UN chief António Guterres said the attacks “contradict” Russia’s commitments under the still-active MoU, which says Russia will “facilitate unrestricted exports of food, sunflower oil and fertilizers from Ukrainian-controlled Black Sea ports”.
“The Secretary-General also recalls that the destruction of civilian infrastructure would be a violation of international humanitarian law. These attacks also have an impact beyond Ukraine”, the statement continued.
Negative impact on price
“We are already seeing the negative impact of world wheat and corn prices that are hurting everyone, but especially vulnerable people in the Global South.”
Mr. Guterres said he “will not stop” in his desire to ensure that Ukrainian and Russian food and fertilizers are available on international markets, linking it to ongoing efforts to fight global hunger and rising food prices around the world.
Lifeline for the world’s poorest
The UN Resident Coordinator in Ukraine, Denise Brown, also condemned the attacks, saying she was horrified by the images coming from Odesa of damage and destruction.
“This is the second day in a row that this civilian port, a vital lifeline for Ukraine and for the world’s poorest people who depend on Ukrainian grain, has been severely damaged by multiple strikes.” he said in a statement.
“This is inhumane and against international humanitarian law,” he added, before calling for an end to the attacks.