Following attacks on Russia’s Black Sea fleet, Moscow withdrew from the grain corridor deal. An air strike was launched on Monday morning against Ukrainian cities, especially in Kiev. Following the suspension of the grain corridor, wheat prices rose on international exchanges.
Russia withdrew from the grain deal following the attack on the Crimean bridge and Russia’s Black Sea fleet. Moscow, which intensified missile attacks on Ukraine, fired again on the cities of Ukraine on the morning of October 31. Explosions were heard in the regions of Kyiv, Zaporizhzhia, Kirovograd, Kharkiv, and Odesa. Russia has launched 40 cruise missiles, the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine said.
“An area of Kyiv is without electricity and certain areas without water following Russian strikes on critical infrastructure. All units are working” Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko wrote on Telegram.
Following the attack on Russian ships on Saturday, the Russian Ministry of Defense announced that “Russia suspends its participation in the implementation of the agreement on the export of agricultural products from Ukrainian ports.”
Russia: Britain played a role in the attacks
Russian Defence Ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov had provided the following information about the details of the attack on Russian ships: “Today at 4:20 am (Moscow time), the Kyiv regime carried out a terrorist attack on the ships of the Black Sea Fleet and civilian vessels.”
“The ships of the Black Sea Fleet that were subjected to a terrorist attack are involved in ensuring the security of the grain corridor within the framework of the international initiative for the export of agricultural products from Ukrainian ports” Konashenkov said.
Stating that the attack on the Russian Black Sea fleet “were carried out under the leadership of British specialists”, Konashenkov claimed that the same unit affiliated with the British Navy was also responsible for sabotaging the Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2 gas pipelines on September 26.
Britain’s Defense Ministry rejected Russia’s allegations in a statement on its Twitter account:
“To detract from their disastrous handling of the illegal invasion of Ukraine, the Russian Ministry of Defence is resorting to peddling false claims of an epic scale. This invented story, says more about arguments going on inside the Russian Government than it does about the west.”
The Ukrainian government accused Russia of using the grain deal as a means of blackmail and of inventing “fictitious terror attacks.”
Turkiye is in for the mediation role
With the withdrawal of Russia from the “Grain Corridor” deal, the transport of more than 200 ships was blocked. This incident also affected the wheat index. On the Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT) wheat futures jumped 5.4 percent to $8.7. Wheat prices rose to $13.6 in international markets in March.
Upon the developments, the Ministry of National Defense (MoND) announced that “there will be no shipping from Ukraine”. Stating that Russian personnel are still at the Coordination center in Istanbul; “The Republic of Turkiye will continue to do its part in ensuring peace and humanitarian aid in the region as it has done so far.”
The United Nations, Turkiye and Ukraine agreed on an Oct. 31 movement plan for 16 vessels, an official from the U.N. told Reuters. The official said the Moscow side was also informed about the issue.
After pulling out of the deal, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said he does not believe it is possible to continue the implementations. “In conditions when Russia is talking about the impossibility of guaranteeing the safety of shipping in these areas, such a deal is hardly feasible, and it takes on a different character – much more risky, dangerous and unguaranteed,” Peskov told Sputnik news.
Moscow’s expectation on Russian grain
Secretary of State Antony Blinken said, “We urge all parties to keep this essential, life-saving initiative functioning.” EU High Representative for Foreign Relations and Security Policy Josep Borrell said the pulling out of the deal endangers the main export route of grains and fertilizers. French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna also urged Russia to reconsider its decision to suspend.
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan also made a statement about the issue. Pointing to Russia’s sensitivities, Erdoğan referred to Moscow’s expectation by saying, “Although Russia is hesitant in this regard as the same facilities are not provided for itself, we will continue our efforts to serve humanity.”
Brokered by the United Nations and Turkiye in Istanbul, the “Grain Corridor” deal covered the removal of obstacles to Russian grain reaching the world markets. However, no concrete steps have been taken to meet Russia’s expectations so far.
Speaking to Hurriyet newspaper three days ago, Russian Ambassador to Ankara Alexei Yerkhov said, “Well, does Russian grain not attract anyone’s attention? No one is questioning its fate. They better ask, because Russia’s grain potential seriously exceeds our Ukrainian neighbors’ export opportunities, given this year’s record harvest.”
