Press Statement Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State July 23, 2022
The United States strongly condemns today’s Russian missile attack on the Ukrainian port of Odessa. Just 24 hours after finalizing a deal that would allow Ukrainian agricultural exports to resume across the Black Sea, Russia breached its obligations by attacking a historic port from which grain and agricultural exports will once again be transported under the arrangement. The Kremlin continues to show disregard for the safety and security of millions of civilians as it continues its assault on Ukraine. Russia is starving Ukraine of its economic vitality and the world of food supply with an 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 deliver critical food to world markets. Russia bears the responsibility for deepening the global food crisis and must stop the aggression and fully implement the deal it agreed to.
From the American Mission Italy | July 23, 2022 | Topics: News | Tags: Russia – Ukraine
