Russia stops the grain agreement, which allowed Ukraine to safely export grain across the Black Sea. The announcement was met with massive criticism, including from aid organizations that warn of a coming food crisis.
– When the agreement was concluded a year ago, Russia received a lot of sanctions relief in addition to the points in the agreement. Now you simply want more of the same thing. It’s definitely a negotiating tactic.
That’s what Peter Lidén, lieutenant colonel and former defense attaché in Ukraine, says. Now he answers some of the most common audience questions about the grain agreement and what the latest developments actually mean:
What is the grain agreement?
The grain agreement is in fact two agreements. One between Ukraine, Turkey and the UN and a parallel agreement with Russia, Turkey and the UN.
– It is important because, when this was written a year ago, Ukraine had recently seen the first proven elements of the abuses in Butja. That Ukraine would conclude an agreement with a great power that commits genocide against them is unthinkable, says Peter Lidén.
How do the agreements differ?
The separate agreements complement each other and are partially overlapping, says Peter Lidén. Both agreements state which shipping lanes freighters must use and that traffic in and out of the Ukrainian port city of Odessa must be inspected.
– In Ukraine’s agreement it is stated that they must pilot the cargo ships in and out through the minefields in the sea outside Odessa. Russia, for its part, undertakes not to attack shipping or pilot ships, says Peter Lidén.
What happens now?
Although Russia withdraws from its agreement, Ukraine’s remains, which makes the consequences for the country smaller.
– What this means for shipping is that it becomes more dangerous and therefore more expensive in terms of insurance premiums and other things. I don’t think the Russians will shell the ships, that’s not the point. But they can lay mines and otherwise disrupt transport.
Hear Peter Lidén’s answers to more questions in the clip.