Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov criticized the United States and Europe for their condescending attitude towards the rest of the world in their efforts to win over developing countries. Lavrov also expressed skepticism about a recent proposal to revive a Black Sea grain deal, stating that it was unrealistic. He made these remarks during the 78th Session of the U.N. General Assembly in New York City.

Lavrov’s comments came after a week of intense global diplomacy at the United Nations, where Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and Western allies sought support for Kyiv. Lavrov revealed that he had met with more than 30 countries during the week.

The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has exacerbated a global food crisis, leading to a new diplomatic battleground as both countries vie for support from poor and developing nations. The United Nations had brokered a landmark deal in July 2022 that allowed the safe export of Ukraine grain from the Black Sea, but Russia withdrew from the agreement two months ago, citing insufficient efforts to improve its own exports.

In a letter to Lavrov, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres outlined four measures that the U.N. could take if Russia agreed to resume the Black Sea grain deal. However, Lavrov dismissed these proposals as unrealistic and unimplementable.

Both Ukraine and Russia are major grain exporters, with Russia also being a significant supplier of fertilizer worldwide. The U.N.’s proposals for facilitating Russian food and fertilizer exports rely on the goodwill of Western countries and the private sector. However, Moscow’s withdrawal from the grain deal and subsequent airstrikes on Ukrainian ports and grain stores have undermined these efforts.

Lavrov also criticized a 10-point peace plan promoted by Kyiv, deeming it completely unfeasible. He suggested that the conflict would only be resolved on the battlefield if Ukraine and the West continued to adhere to the plan.

During his visit to the United Nations, Lavrov attended a U.N. Security Council meeting on Ukraine, but he did not cross paths with President Zelenskiy. Lavrov also announced his upcoming visit to Pyongyang to continue negotiations with North Korean leaders, building on recent agreements made by Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Moscow.

In conclusion, Lavrov’s address at the U.N. General Assembly highlighted Russia’s concerns about the attitudes of the United States and Europe towards the rest of the world and expressed skepticism about the feasibility of proposed solutions to the Black Sea grain deal. The conflict between Russia and Ukraine continues to impact global food security, and efforts to facilitate Russian food and fertilizer exports have been hindered by Moscow’s actions. Lavrov also criticized Kyiv’s peace plan and announced his plans for further negotiations with North Korea.

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