United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on Monday that Russia's decision not to extend the Black Sea Grain Initiative will "strike a blow to people in need everywhere." He pointed out that the move also means Russia will withdraw its security guarantees of navigation in the northwestern part of the Black Sea.
"The Black Sea Initiative, together with the Memorandum of Understanding on facilitating exports of Russian food products and fertilizers, has been a lifeline for global food security and a beacon of hope in a troubled world," Guterres said. However, he added the UN will continue efforts to facilitate unimpeded access to global markets for food products and fertilizers from both Ukraine and Russia.