Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken strongly condemned Russia's attack on Ukraine's Port of Odesa, which was carried out just a day after agreeing to allow grain and agricultural exports to be transported through the port.
Blinken said Russia's blatant disregard for the agreement “casts serious doubt” on the nation’s credibility, according to his July 23 statement. Blinken also placed full responsibility on Russia for “deepening the global food crisis.”
“The United States strongly condemns the Russian missile attack on the Ukrainian port of Odesa today,” Blinken said in his statement. “Just 24 hours after finalizing a deal to allow the resumption of Ukrainian agricultural exports through the Black Sea, Russia breached its commitments by attacking the historic port from which grain and agricultural exports would again be transported under this arrangement. The Kremlin continues to show disregard for the safety and security of millions of civilians as it perpetuates its assault on Ukraine.”
The agreement between Russia and Ukraine was mediated by Turkey and the United Nations, The New York Times reported. The agreement was an attempt to deal with the worsening global food shortage, as the war on Ukraine has seen a steep drop in grain exports in the region. The New York Times reported four Kalibr missiles were fired at the port, two of which were shot down before the remaining two struck the Port of Odesa.
“Russia is starving Ukraine of its economic vitality and the world of its food supply through the effective blockade of the Black Sea. This attack casts serious doubt on the credibility of Russia’s commitment to yesterday’s deal and undermines the work of the UN, Turkey and Ukraine to get critical food to world markets,” Blinken said in his statement. “Russia bears responsibility for deepening the global food crisis and must stop its aggression and fully implement the deal to which it has agreed.”
The New York Times reported Ukrainian officials said they would continue to prepare for the grain deal to go into effect despite the attack. It also reported the target for the strike was unclear as well as what grain infrastructure was destroyed by the attack.
