Vital agreement

It is very depressing that Russia has announced suspension of the agreement that allowed vital grain exports from Ukraine (“Russia suspends participation in Ukraine grain deal,” Oct.30, Gulf Today website). According to the news, Russia on Saturday suspended its participation in a landmark agreement that allowed vital grain exports from Ukraine, blaming alleged drone attacks on Russian ships in Crimea. Russia made the announcement after its army accused Kyiv earlier on Saturday of a “massive” drone attack on its Black Sea fleet, while Britain bluntly rejected Moscow’s claims its specialists were involved.

The agreement already allowed more than nine million tonnes of Ukrainian grain to be exported and was due to be renewed on Nov.19.

The Turkey and UN-brokered deal to unlock grain exports signed between Russia and Ukraine in July was welcomed by the whole world because it addressed and solved the serious issue of shortage of grain all over the world.

The powerful countries should use their influence on both Russia and Ukraine and make sure that the vital agreement of grain exports from Ukraine continues to remain in force.

Shakir Ahmed — By email