Russia pulls out of Black Sea grain deal hours after crucial Crimea bridge attacked

An “act of cruelty” – that is how the US ambassador to the UN has described Russia’s decision to withdraw from the Black Sea grain export deal.

She said Moscow was holding “humanity hostage”.

Termination of the deal will have the greatest impact on countries already struggling with food insecurity.

Russia’s announcement came hours after their strategically and symbolically important Kerch bridge came under attack again.

The bridge, which connects mainland Russia to the illegally annexed Crimean Peninsula, acts as a key artery for military supplies to support Russian forces occupying the south of Ukraine.