UN Secretary-General António Guterres pressed to buy more time this Wednesday in talks aimed at extending the deal that keeps Ukrainian grain moving and helps avert a deeper global food crisis. The pact, set to expire if Russia and Ukraine fail to renew it, faces renewed scrutiny as Moscow signals conditions tied to sanctions and the broader trade of agricultural products from Russia.
In Kyiv, the Portuguese diplomat met with Ukrainian President Volodímir Zelenski to discuss the path forward. The Black Sea Grain Initiative, agreed last July with UN and Turkish mediation, allows the export of millions of tons of grain from Ukrainian ports and has been credited with easing food costs in many regions. Guterres noted that the arrangement has delivered tangible relief to populations bearing the brunt of the conflict, particularly in developing countries.
With the deal in place, the FAO’s food price index has shown a meaningful decline, reflecting a roughly 20 percent drop over the past year. Zelenski and Guterres acknowledged that extending the agreement beyond March 18 remains essential for stabilizing global food markets and safeguarding vulnerable communities worldwide.
Russian fertilizers
In a broader diplomatic push, Guterres underscored that both Ukrainian grain and Russian fertilizers are critical components of the global agricultural system. The grain agreement also contemplates the export of Russian fertilizers, though implementing this facet has encountered obstacles. The message was clear: ensuring the full realization of fertilizer trade is as important as maintaining grain exports for global food security.
Guterres reaffirmed his stance against the aggression in Ukraine and stressed the need for accountability for violations of international humanitarian law. His remarks, backed by various sources, suggested renewed UN involvement in investigations into allegations of war crimes. He referenced the recent video incident involving the death of a Ukrainian serviceman, describing the event as a stark reminder of the rules applicable in armed conflict.
The UN chief called for a justice-centered peace grounded in the UN Charter, international law, and the core principles reiterated in the latest General Assembly resolutions since the war began. The goal remains a durable settlement that protects civilians and preserves essential humanitarian channels.
No trip to Moscow
Guterres’ itinerary will not include a stop in Moscow to confer with President Vladimir Putin, according to UN briefings. Nevertheless, Moscow’s deputy foreign minister Sergei Vershinin and the Russian delegation are expected to continue talks with UN officials in the near future, keeping open channels of dialogue as the crisis persists.
Additionally, Guterres emphasized the necessity of establishing a safety zone around Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. The IAEA has proposed a framework for strict demilitarization and safe operation, though concrete progress remains elusive. He urged all parties to pursue a mediation path that would allow the facility to resume normal functioning and ensure long-term nuclear safety.