The deal aimed to alleviate the global food crisis by facilitating the safe export of Ukrainian grain, a process hindered due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.

Citing Moscow’s unmet conditions for suspending its involvement, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated: “Russia's outlined requirements within the agreement will need to be fulfilled before their participation can resume.”

Peskov also claimed that the decision to suspend participation is unrelated to the recent attack on Kerch Bridge that connects Russia and occupied Crimea. This attack, characterized as a "terrorist act," was blamed on Ukraine by Russian officials.

The suspension of Russia's participation in the Black Sea grain export deal is a significant setback in the efforts to address the global food crisis. Ukraine is a major exporter of grain, and the blockade of its ports has resulted in millions of tons of grain being unable to reach markets worldwide. The suspension is likely to further escalate food prices and exacerbate the already dire global food crisis.

The long-term implications of this suspension remain uncertain. While there is a possibility of Russia resuming its participation if its conditions are met, there is also the potential for the deal to collapse entirely, which would have devastating consequences for global food security.

Moreover, this suspension highlights the escalating tensions between Russia and the West. Russia has repeatedly accused the West of waging a "hybrid war" against it, and the decision to suspend the deal can be viewed as another escalation in this ongoing conflict.

As the future of the Black Sea grain export deal hangs in the balance, the suspension of Russia's involvement poses a significant setback to the collective efforts aimed at mitigating the global food crisis. (ILKHA)