The international development agency, Christian Aid, says Russia's unilateral decision to pull out of the Black Sea grain deal once again puts millions at risk from rising food prices and exposes the fragility of the world's food system.
Christian Aid's Humanitarian and Hunger Policy Adviser, Lydia Mbogoro, said: "Russia pulling out of the grain deal is a body blow to Ukraine's grain exports. If a full-scale invasion of Ukraine wasn't enough, preventing ships reaching countries Africa and the Mediterranean will put countless more innocent people at risk .
"While food prices have come down from their peak, more countries are still falling further into hunger due to insecurity, climate change and the rising cost of living. The loss of millions of tonnes of these key staples from the Black Sea will further push countries closer to famine, especially countries such as South Sudan where almost two-thirds of the population are food insecure."
The UN deal brokered by Turkey between Russia and Ukraine was due to expire today (Monday July 17th). It was originally agreed five months after the full-scale invasion and has previously been extended.