Headline RoundupOctober 30th, 2022

Russia Suspends Wheat Export Deal, Says Ukraine Attacked Civilian Ships

Summary from the AllSides News Team

Russia suspended a deal brokered in July that allowed ports along Ukraine’s southern coast to export grain shipments, citing alleged attacks on civilian ships by Ukrainian forces.

Key Quotes: The statement from Russia, reported by the Associated Press, claims Ukrainian forces attacked civilian ships with the help of “British Specialists,” stating, “the Russian side cannot guarantee the safety of civilian dry cargo ships participating in the Black Sea initiative, and suspends its implementation from today for an indefinite period.” Ukrainian leadership denied the allegation, with President Zelenskiy stating, “this is a completely transparent attempt by Russia to return to the threat of large-scale famine for Africa, for Asia.” This was echoed by Western leaders, with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stating, “Russia is again weaponizing food in the war it started, directly impacting low- and middle-income countries and global food prices, and exacerbating already dire humanitarian crises and food insecurity.”

For Context: Russia and Ukraine are both in the top five of wheat exporters, making up 21% of the global wheat market. The war has disrupted wheat production and shipments in the region, raising prices on food globally. The withdrawal from the deal comes as Ukrainian forces continue a counter-offensive that has pushed back Russian invaders, leading Moscow to strike at civilian infrastructure with kamikaze drones.

How the Media Covered it: The announcement from Russia was covered heavily in international outlets over the weekend, mostly focusing on responses from Western leaders. 

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