Black Sea grain deal expires after Russia quits

FILE PHOTO: Turkey-flagged bulk carrier Tq Samsun leaves the sea port of Odesa, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Ukraine July 16, 2023. REUTERS/Serhii Smolientsev

UNITED NATIONS/MOSCOW (Reuters) -A deal allowing the safe Black Sea export of Ukraine's grain for the past year expired on Monday after Russia quit and warned it could not guarantee the safety of ships in a move the United Nations said would "strike a blow to people in need everywhere."

Moscow suggested that if demands to improve exports of its own grain and fertilizer were met it would consider resurrecting the Black Sea agreement. However, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said that a U.N. pact that aimed to help facilitate Russia's shipments over the past year was also terminated.