The ICRC delegation in Moscow is closely watching how the grain agreement evolves and whether a practical path emerges to address the needs of people reliant on this supply. The organization emphasizes that its interest lies in a constructive outcome that can stabilize food access for vulnerable populations.
According to Boris Michel, who leads the ICRC delegation, the situation has direct consequences for millions across the Sahel and parts of the Middle East, with Yemen identified as a particularly affected area. The ICRC continues to observe the negotiations and the responses of the involved parties, hoping for a resolution that relieves hunger and supports livelihoods in these regions.
Michel underscored a desire for any initiative that can ease acute food shortages and prevent further deterioration of living conditions. The aim is to secure a solution that translates into tangible help for people currently enduring hardship and insecurity caused by disrupted grain flows.
In another development, Anatoly Antonov, who previously served as the Russian ambassador to the United States, noted that Moscow has signaled openness to reviving the grain initiative. He called on the United States to reconsider sanctions and engage in constructive dialogue rather than framing discussions with insinuations, suggesting a shift toward practical cooperation could benefit wider global food security.
On the other side, Samantha Power, who leads the U.S. Agency for International Development, highlighted the ongoing effort by U.S. officials to prevent Ukraine’s grain from being displaced in world markets. The focus remains on maintaining stable supply chains while ensuring that humanitarian needs are met and market distortions are minimized. This perspective reflects a broader concern about the interdependence of regional crises and global food costs.
Earlier discussions in Turkey reflected renewed commitment to restarting the grain agreement. The talks underscore a shared recognition that reestablishing predictable grain shipments could ease price volatility and improve access to staples for people in affected regions. The parties continue to explore mechanisms that balance humanitarian imperatives with security considerations, aiming for a durable, actionable framework that can be monitored and adjusted as conditions shift. [attribution]