UN Secretary-General António Guterres has stated that peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine are not currently possible as both sides are convinced they can win, indicating a pessimistic outlook on the conflict. However, he did note a bright spot, the export of grain and food products from Ukraine and Russia through the Black Sea. The initiative, known as the Black Sea Grain Initiative, is critical to preventing famine and is being threatened by Russia’s decision to block Ukrainian seaborne exports of corn and wheat. The collapse of the grain deal would affect tens of millions of people globally, particularly in struggling regions of North Africa and the Middle East. Guterres acknowledged that the UN is trying to save the initiative and achieve a more lasting and perfect extension. Secretary of State Antony Blinken also stressed the importance of keeping the grain deal alive.
Guterres expressed hope that China’s entry on the diplomatic and mediation front will prevent the risk of nuclear escalation, which he considers small. He called China’s initiative „very important for stating very clearly that a nuclear escalation is unacceptable” and significant in avoiding an intolerable absurdity. However, President Putin’s recent comments suggest viable peace is not currently on the table, and Kissinger’s prediction that China’s entry into the negotiations will result in a resolution remains to be seen.
CENTRAL EASTERN EUROPE NEWS
Black Sea Grain Deal On the Brink
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