Title: Ukraine Urgently Seeks Restoration of Black Sea Corridor as Russia Withdraws from Grain Deal
Published: July 22, 2023 at 2:27 a.m. EDT
Updated: July 22, 2023 at 5:11 a.m. EDT
A farm storage building in Ukraine’s Odessa region destroyed during a Russian attack on Ukraine has heightened concerns over the region’s stability. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan discussed the urgent need to restore the Black Sea corridor in a recent phone call, according to Zelensky’s office. This corridor is crucial for shipping Ukrainian grain to the world. The withdrawal of Russia from the grain deal brokered by Turkey and the United Nations has raised concerns about a potential food crisis.
The international community is closely monitoring the situation in Ukraine, as U.N. aid chief Martin Griffiths warned that millions of people are at risk of hunger due to Russia’s withdrawal from the grain deal. This has led to a spike in global grain prices, which could have disastrous consequences for millions of people.
Furthermore, UNESCO has condemned Russian attacks on the “historic center of Odessa,” a site protected under the World Heritage Convention. The cultural organization reported damage to significant landmarks, including the Odessa maritime and literature museums. Russian strikes have also targeted Ukrainian port regions on the Black Sea, where the Russian navy recently conducted a firing drill. These attacks come in retaliation for Ukraine’s strike on the Crimean Bridge, a target President Zelensky described as a crucial route for feeding the war with ammunition.
In response to the escalating conflict, Ukraine’s counteroffensive operations are expected to intensify. Zelensky announced plans to regain control of territory from entrenched Russian troops, with Ukrainian forces already demining certain areas. Additionally, the United States is reportedly preparing to announce a new $400 million military assistance package for Ukraine.
Meanwhile, there has been controversy surrounding Ukraine’s use of cluster munitions. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby acknowledged their impact on Russian defenses but the use of these widely banned munitions has drawn criticism from human rights groups and some NATO allies.
On the diplomatic front, President Biden has elevated CIA Director William J. Burns to his Cabinet. This move highlights Burns’ pivotal role as a messenger to Russia and signifies the CIA’s central role in the administration’s foreign policy.
In the broader context, Russia and China are currently conducting naval drills in the waters between South Korea and Japan, further increasing tensions in the region.
Lastly, President Zelensky has dismissed Ukraine’s ambassador to Britain, Vadym Prystaiko, after the ambassador criticized the president’s response to suggestions of gratitude for security assistance from British Defense Secretary Ben Wallace. Prystaiko described the president’s remarks as “unhealthy sarcasm.”
In a significant development, Russia has arrested Igor Girkin, a former security officer who played a key role in the annexation of Crimea. Girkin, who has voiced criticism of top brass and military strategy, is now being accused of promoting extremism.
As the situation in Ukraine continues to escalate, the international community remains concerned about the potential humanitarian and geopolitical consequences of the conflict.