Russia announces withdrawal from UN-brokered grain deal

Russia's Ministry of Defense said this in a statement on Telegram, Ukrinform reports.

"In view of a terrorist attack carried out on October 29 this year by the Kyiv regime with the participation of specialists from the United Kingdom against ships of the Black Sea Fleet and civilian vessels involved in ensuring the security of the 'grain corridor,' the Russian side stops its participation in the implementation of agreements on the export of agricultural products from Ukrainian ports," the report said.

Earlier reports said that several explosions rocked the port of Sevastopol in Crimea this morning.

Russia's Ministry of Defense claimed the attack was allegedly carried out by Ukrainian drones that "slightly damaged" the sea minesweeper Ivan Golubets. The Russians blamed Ukrainian and British specialists for the "terrorist attack."

In Istanbul on July 22, at the United Nations' proposal, Ukraine, Turkey and Guterres signed the Initiative on the Safe Transportation of Grain and Foodstuffs from the ports of Odesa, Chornomorsk and Pivdennyi.

On October 28, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres called for an extension of the Black Sea Grain Initiative that is due to expire on November 22.

Photo: AA