News - EC head accuses Russia of “cynicism” regarding grain deal

The European Union on Saturday accused Russia of "cynicism" in its withdrawal from the Black Sea grain deal, saying its offer to supply 1 million tons of grain to African countries was a "parody of generosity," Reuters reports. European Council President Charles Michel said during the annual G20 summit in New Delhi that the grain deal provided vulnerable countries with more than 30 times more grain than Russia offered to Africa. "And what cynicism ... you did not accept this," Michel said in comments on the grain deal directed at Russia’s representative at the summit, FM Sergey Lavrov. "Not only have you decided to pull out of this agreement on the Black Sea, but at the same time you are attacking the port infrastructure," he said. At the same time, the head of the European Council called the Russian Federation’s offer of 1 million tons of grain to African countries “a parody of generosity.” "What cynicism and contempt for African countries," Charles Michel noted, emphasizing that the Black Sea agreement had already provided over 30 million tons of exports, primarily benefiting the most vulnerable countries.