FILE - The ship Navi-Star sits full of grain since Russia's invasion of Ukraine began five months ago as it waits to sail from the Odesa Sea Port, in Odesa, Ukraine, July 29, 2022. U.S. President Joe Biden has warned that global hunger could increase because of Russia's suspension of a U.N.-brokered deal to allow safe passage for ships carrying Ukrainian grain. (AP Photo/David Goldman, File)
LONDON, United Kingdom (AFP)— Kyiv is "not optimistic" about the renewal of an agreement allowing grain from war-torn Ukraine to reach the global market, a senior Ukranian government official said Wednesday.
Sure, here is a paragraph on Kyiv's lack of optimism about the renewal of the grain deal in 1000 words:
Kyiv 'Not Optimistic' About Grain Deal Renewal
The Ukrainian government is not optimistic about the renewal of a grain deal that allows exports from war-torn Ukraine to reach the global market. The deal, which was brokered by the United Nations and Turkey in July 2022, expires on July 17, 2023.
Deputy Prime Minister Oleksandr Kubrakov said on Wednesday that Ukraine has not seen any progress on renewing the deal. He said that Russia has not taken any steps to de-mine the Black Sea, which is necessary for safe passage of grain ships.
Kubrakov also said that Ukraine has exported more agricultural products via other routes than through the corridors under the agreement. This suggests that the agreement is not as effective as it could be.
The grain deal is critical for global food security. Ukraine is a major producer of wheat, corn, and sunflower oil. The war has disrupted these exports, and the prices of these commodities have risen sharply.
A failure to renew the grain deal could have serious consequences for global food security. Many countries, especially in Africa, rely on Ukrainian grain imports. A shortage of grain could lead to food shortages and price spikes, which could have a devastating impact on the global economy.
The United Nations is trying to broker a new agreement between Ukraine and Russia. However, it is unclear whether the two countries will be able to reach an agreement. Russia has said that it will not de-mine the Black Sea unless it receives guarantees that Ukraine will not use the corridors to launch attacks.
The future of the grain deal is uncertain. However, it is clear that the failure to renew the deal would have serious consequences for global food security.
In addition to the challenges posed by Russia, Ukraine is also facing logistical challenges in exporting grain. The country's rail and road infrastructure has been damaged by the war, and it is difficult to transport grain to ports.
The Ukrainian government is working to expand alternative export routes, such as through Romania and Poland. However, these routes are not as efficient as the Black Sea routes, and they are not able to handle the same volume of grain.
The situation is urgent. The grain deal expires in just over a week, and there is no guarantee that a new agreement will be reached. The international community must act quickly to ensure that Ukraine can continue to export grain and prevent a global food crisis.
In conclusion, Kyiv is not optimistic about the renewal of the grain deal. The deal is critical for global food security, but it is facing a number of challenges. The international community must act quickly to ensure that Ukraine can continue to export grain and prevent a global food crisis.
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