The U.S. condemned Russia’s decision to suspend participation in the grain deal

U.S. President Joe Biden called Russia’s decision to suspend participation in a U.N.-brokered deal on Ukrainian grain exports “outrageous,” stressing that it would contribute to worsening world hunger.

“There is nothing dignified about their actions. This is a U.N.-brokered agreement, and that should say it all,” Biden recalled.

Secretary of State Anthony Blinken accused Moscow of using food as a weapon.

“The United States regrets that Russia has suspended participation in Black Sea Grain Initiative operations…We call on all parties to support the operation of this important life-saving initiative,” Blinken said in a statement issued Saturday.

Blinken noted that the agreement has already moved more than 9 million tons of food and that it has lowered prices worldwide, which has been especially important for low- and middle-income countries.

“The initiative has been successful and should continue,” the secretary of state said.

“Any action by Russia disrupting these critical important grain exports is effectively a statement that people and families around the world should pay more or starve,” Blinken stated. – By suspending participation in the agreement, Russia is once again using food as a weapon in a war it has started.”

The head of U.S. diplomacy urged Moscow to renew its participation in the agreement and to fully comply with it.

The European Union on Sunday urged Russia to reverse its decision, which Ukraine says was planned in advance.

“Russia’s decision to suspend participation in the Black Sea agreement jeopardizes the main export route for much-needed grain and fertilizer to solve the global food crisis caused by its war with Ukraine,” European diplomatic chief Josep Borrel said on Twitter.

“The EU calls on Russia to reverse its decision,” he added.