Russia Pulled Out of Black Sea Grain Initiative

Russian President Vladimir Putin’s unprovoked, full-scale invasion of Ukraine has passed the 500-day mark. Russia’s campaign of brutality inflicted on the Ukrainian people has included its wanton launching of missiles and drones that have caused widespread civilian deaths and injuries as well as destruction of vital civilian infrastructure. Russia’s forces have tortured civilians in detention and abducted Ukrainian children.

Putin’s Russia underlined its sheer cruelty by announcing on July 17^th its decision to terminate the regime’s participation in the Black Sea Grain Initiative. United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres said that the “decision by the Russian Federation will strike a blow to people in need everywhere.”