UN Warns of Global Consequences After Russia Pulls Out of Grain Deal

The United Nations is warning of the global consequences of Russia not renewing a deal that allowed Ukraine to export grain in the Black Sea. 

Details: Russia and Ukraine are both leading global exporters of wheat. Last year, the U.N. and Turkey negotiated a deal between Ukraine and Russia that allowed Ukraine to continue exporting wheat. On Monday, Russia withdrew from the deal and accused the Ukrainians of using the Black Sea to launch “terrorist attacks.” The withdrawal came shortly after an attack on the Kerch Bridge, which links Russian-occupied Crimea with the Russian mainland. Ukraine has not taken responsibility for the attack. In recent days, Russia launched missile attacks on port cities along the southern coast of Ukraine, targeting export facilities.

Key Quotes: The U.N.'s Humanitarian Affairs Chief Martin Griffiths warned that 362 million people across the globe are at risk of a humanitarian crisis as a result of grain exports ceasing, stating, “They're not sad, they're angry, they're worried, they're concerned. Some will go hungry. Some will starve, many may die as a result of these decisions.” White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters the Biden Administration was “going to continue to support Ukraine’s effort to get Ukrainian grain to the markets that desperately need it. As it relates to the grain initiative, we’re certainly going to do everything we can.”

How the Media Covered It: Left- and center-rated outlets are reporting on developments more prominently and frequently than right-rated outlets.