German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has taken the lead in addressing the crisis sparked by Russia’s withdrawal from the grain export agreement in the Black Sea. Baerbock unveiled a series of new initiatives aimed at supporting Ukraine’s grain supply during these challenging times. One of the primary measures is to strengthen international efforts in transporting grain out of Ukraine via rail, ensuring that it doesn’t spoil in storage and reaches those in urgent need.
Baerbock wrote on twitter (google translate):
“Putin didn’t just blow up the #BlackSeaGrainInitiative . Now he is covering the port city #Odessa with a hail of bombs for the second night in a row. In doing so, he robs the world of any hope for Ukrainian grain. Each of his bombs also hits the poorest in the world.
Even if the route across the Black Sea can hardly be replaced, we support
@ZelenskyyUa
and #Ukraine in turning every stone to find alternative transport routes. For example via the #EU Solidarity Lanes by barge, rail and road.”
Russia’s decision to abandon the export agreement has had a profound impact on Ukraine’s grain trade, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian situation in the region. To counteract this, Baerbock emphasized the need for swift action, stating that allowing the grain to rot in silos is not an option given the immediate requirement for food supplies in the country.
Additionally, Baerbock condemned the recent Russian attacks on the Ukrainian port city of Odessa, specifically denouncing President Vladimir Putin’s threats against merchant ships in the Black Sea as an affront to the international order.
In response to the escalating situation, Josep Borrell, the European Union’s top diplomat, also weighed in, underscoring the seriousness of the “massive attacks” on Odessa over the past three nights. Borrell outlined several potential options for a robust response, including air and drone defense measures, to deter further aggression.
Germany’s Baerbock and the EU’s collective efforts aim to ensure that much-needed grain reaches the Ukrainian people promptly and to maintain international pressure on Russia to honor agreements and respect the sovereignty of neighboring nations. As the crisis unfolds, the global community remains steadfast in its support for Ukraine’s stability and security.
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