G20 Summit: European Union criticises Russia for breaking the Black Sea Grain Agreement

Last Saturday, at the G20 summit in New Delhi, the European Union openly expressed its dissatisfaction with Russia's decision to withdraw from its obligations to supply grain from the Black Sea region. Russia's support of a million tonnes of grain for African countries has been described by the EU as "falsified gestures of generosity".

The President of the European Council, Charles Michel, stressed that the agreement of 2022 envisaged support for countries exposed to crises, which was 30 times greater than what Russia offered Africa. "How ironic... you ignored it," he addressed Sergei Lavrow, a Russian representative at the summit.

The allegations against Russia reached the summit when it withdrew from the agreement, indicating export problems and insufficient supplies from Ukraine to countries in need. In response, the Kremlin assured that he was ready to return to the talks about the deal, but under certain conditions.

Michel continued to criticize, pointing out that Russia not only withdrew from the agreement, but also disrupted port operations. "And now, adding fuel to the fire, you offer a symbolic million tons of grain to African countries. Don't you think this is an expression of contempt for Africa?" he asked.

Japan and Turkey Talk at the G20 Summit Margin

Turkey's President, Tayyip Erdogan, has discussed the reactivation of the agreement with Japanese Prime Minister, Fumio Kishida. Sources pointed out that Erdogan expressed confidence in the possibility of reopening negotiations, but expressed concerns about Ukraine's position on this issue.

Japan, President of the G7 this year, expressed its willingness to support the discussion on the grain agreement. Hikariko Ono, a spokesman for the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stressed that food security in the world is a priority for Japan.

Reuters, citing its sources, informs that the recent G20 Communication highlights the importance of "continuous grain supplies" for poorer countries. Nevertheless, people close to the talks emphasise that no new declarations are foreseen on this issue during the ongoing summit.

Written by Mariusz Dasiewicz/Reuters