Russia-Ukraine war latest: Russia ‘peddling lies’ about Britain to distract from ‘disastrous’ war, says MoD

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has urged “all parties” to “make every effort” to extend the agreement on Ukrainian grain exports, including facilitating shipments of Russian grain.

The so-called Black Sea deal, signed in July by the UN, Ukraine, Russia and Turkey, has allowed more than nine million tons of Ukrainian grain to be exported – easing the global food crisis caused by the war. But uncertainty about whether the agreement will last has already led to rising prices.

The initial agreement was set to last 120 days, with the option for renewal on November 19 “if no party objects”, Mr Guterres’ spokesman, Stephane Dujarric, said.

“We urge all parties to make every effort to renew the Black Sea Grain Initiative and implement both agreements to their fullest, including the expedited removal of any remaining impediments to Russian grain and fertiliser export,” he said.

“We do not underestimate the challenges, but we know they can be overcome.”