Global food security – Suspension of Russia’s participation in the Black Sea Grain Initiative - Statement by the ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs Spokesperson (17 July 2023)

France condemns Russia’s suspension of its participation in the Black Sea Grain Initiative. Russia alone is responsible for blocking navigation in that maritime area and is imposing an illegal blockade on Ukrainian ports. It must stop its blackmail on global food security and reverse its decision.

For its part, France, together with its partners, will continue to step up its action to reduce the food insecurity risks hanging over the most vulnerable populations around the world, including through the EU’s Solidarity Lanes, which play an essential role and have enabled 38 million tonnes of grain to be exported from Ukraine since March 2022.

France has also increased its international food aid to more than €840 million for 2023, to help people suffering food insecurity and malnutrition due to the Russian aggression against Ukraine.