2023-07-30 13:46:06
Pope Francis urged the Russian authorities on Sunday to reactivate the agreement authorizing the export of Ukrainian grain across the black sea despite the war. “Let’s not stop praying for the martyred Ukrainewhere war destroys everything, including the wheatand this is a serious offense to God, because wheat is his gift to feed humanity, and the cries of millions of brothers and sisters who suffer from hunger rise to heaven”, he said during the Angelus prayer, before thousands of people gathered in Saint Peter’s Square.
Related news
“I appeal to my brothers, the authorities of the Russian Federationso that the Black Sea initiative is reestablished and wheat can be transported safely,” insisted the 86-year-old Argentine pontiff. The export agreement, sealed in July 2022 with the mediation of Türkiye y United Nationsexpired on July 17 after Moscow refused to extend it.
Russian complaints
Russia had been complaining for months that its interests were not being respected, which included lifting the barriers to export agricultural products and fertilizers. The agreement eased fears of a global food crisis after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, and allowed more than 32 million tons of Ukrainian grain to be exported. The Russian decision not to prolong it caused an increase in grain prices and affected the poorest countries above all.
#Pope #Francis #asks #Russia #return #grain #agreement