UN Chief: Russia's Halt to Grain Deal Strikes 'Blow to People in Need'

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed regrets Monday for the decision by Russia to suspend the implementation of the Black Sea Grain Initiative. Speaking to reporters in New York, Guterres said, “This Initiative has ensured the safe passage of over 32 million metric tons of food commodities from Ukrainian ports,” adding "There is simply too much at stake in a hungry and hurting world." "Today's decision by the Russian Federation will strike a blow to people in need everywhere," Guterres told reporters.