The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry has debunked Russian President Vladimir Putin's lies about the grain deal.
According to the ministry's spokesperson Oleh Nikolenko, Putin claimed that Russia insists on the full implementation of the agreement so that the products are not sent to "rich countries" and that 45% of the grain was delivered to European countries and only 3% to Africa.
"Russia keeps trying to undermine the Black Sea Grain Initiative. These statistics are not true. As of 1 August 2022, Ukraine exported 25.1 million tonnes of agricultural products to 45 countries through the grain corridor: Africa - 2.9 million tonnes (11.6%), Asia - 12.1 million tonnes (48.2%), Europe - 10.1 million tonnes (40.2%)," Nikolenko said.
He noted that Russia was well aware that part of the Ukrainian grain purchased by Europe was sent as humanitarian re-export to Africa and Asia.
"Therefore, the real statistics of exports to the African continent is even higher than 11.6%. Not to mention the fact that almost 50% of the products go to support Asian countries," the Foreign Ministry spokesman added.
Nikolenko noted that the Black Sea Grain Initiative has proven its effectiveness: global food prices have stabilised, and the "grain corridor" saves millions of people around the world from malnutrition and hunger.
"The international community, especially the countries of Africa and Asia, should not allow Moscow to use food as a weapon. Ukraine will continue to faithfully fulfil its obligations as one of the guarantors of global food security. We are also grateful to the United Nations and Turkey, as well as other partners, for their efforts in extending the grain deal for 120 days," Nikolenko said.
In Geneva, representatives of Russia and the United Nations agreed to extend the grain deal with Ukraine, which is in effect until 18 March, for another 60 days – until 18 May.
Now Russia is threatening to suspend its participation in the grain deal unless the West lifts some sanctions.