Zelensky asked Stoltenberg to convene Ukraine-NATO council
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky asks NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg to convene the council soon in light of the developments on the Black Sea grain deal.
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Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky addresses a media conference at a NATO summit in Vilnius, Lithuania, July 12, 2023 (AP)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky engaged in crucial phone talks on Saturday with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, wherein the former called for an urgent meeting of the Ukraine-NATO Council to discuss the escalating crisis over the Black Sea grain deal matter in "a few days."
Zelensky emphasized the need to unblock and ensure the stable operation of the grain corridor, a critical lifeline for Ukraine's agricultural exports. He stated that he reached out to Jens Stoltenberg with a proposal for crisis consultations, aiming to overcome the security challenges in the Black Sea region.
The Black Sea Grain Initiative, which had facilitated the movement of Ukrainian grain through a humanitarian corridor in the past year, expired on Monday when Russia decided not to extend its participation. Moscow expressed dissatisfaction with the deal, citing unfulfilled provisions concerning its interests.
Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov characterized it as a "one-sided game," as none of Russia's long-standing demands had been met.
Following Russia's withdrawal, tensions escalated in the Black Sea region, with the Russian Defense Ministry warning that ships heading to Ukrainian ports might be treated as potential carriers of military cargo. In response, the Ukrainian Defense Ministry accused Moscow of turning the Black Sea into a "danger zone" and issued similar warnings to all vessels bound for Russia.
However, the country's Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, Dmitry Polyansky, declared that Russia was open to rejoining the grain deal facilitated by the UN and Turkey but under certain conditions.
Polyansky emphasized that Russia's decision to withdraw from the deal, which aimed to unblock agricultural exports, was not unexpected since their concerns had remained unaddressed.
The top Russian diplomat underscored the significance of the grain deal for global food supplies and emphasized that Russia would only consider rejoining if all the previously agreed-upon principles of their participation were fully implemented without any exceptions.
The conditions laid out by Russia encompass the practical lifting of sanctions on their grain and fertilizer exports to global markets, as well as the removal of obstacles faced by Russian financial institutions in the sector, including restoring their connection to the SWIFT payment system.
Furthermore, Russia insists on an uninterrupted supply of spare parts and components for agricultural machinery, the resolution of issues related to vessel freight and insurance concerning Russian food exports, and the unhindered expansion of Russian fertilizer exports, which includes repairing the damaged Togliatti-Odessa ammonia pipeline.
In addition to these demands, Russia requires the release of all its assets associated with the agricultural sector. They also emphasize that the grain deal should prioritize its original humanitarian purpose, aimed at addressing food issues in developing countries rather than benefiting wealthy nations.
After Russia announced its withdrawal from the deal, US Ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, said the decision is an "act of cruelty."
"The world needs the Black Sea Grain Initiative and all member states must come together and urge Russia to reverse this decision, resume negotiations to extend, expand and fully implement this initiative."
