'This Must Stop': EU's Charles Michel Slams Russian Blockade of Ukraine Ports

European Council President Charles Michel criticised Russia on Friday for withdrawing from the UN Grain Agreement and accused Moscow of obstructing Ukrainian seaports to halt grain shipments.

“It’s frankly scandalous that Russia, after having terminated the Black Sea grain initiative, is blocking and attacking Ukrainian ports. This must stop,” Michel told reporters in the national capital ahead of a G20 summit. Michel said that Russia is violating the UN Charter and fundamental principles for an international rules-based order.

Russia pulled out of the Turkey-mediated grain agreement in July following the escalation in the Ukraine conflict. Western media reports say that Moscow is now mounting attacks on Ukrainian export hubs and Kyiv’s forces targeting Moscow’s naval ports and warships.

Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, India is hosting the G20 on September 9 and 10 with a focus on developing countries, particularly the African Union. The forum encompasses the world’s wealthiest countries in the Group of Seven, as a bloc, along with Russia, China, and others.  The Russia-Ukraine war and China’s growing assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific region have added friction among the most powerful G20 countries.

Over a question on the Russia-China ties amid the Ukraine conflict, he said, “When we have a permanent member (Russia) of Security Council taking a decision to long shot an attack, a war it is a blatant violation of the UN Charter. This is something very serious. So, we are acting very united and very firm in supporting Ukraine and sanctioning Russia.”

“…on the inside, we see the relationship with China – we feel that we (feel there is a) need for China to play a positive role at a global level into different UN Charter, into the sovereignty of Ukraine,” he was quoted as saying by ANI.

At this year’s G20 in New Delhi, the European Council President said that the 27-member bloc has also focused on the existential challenges of climate change, which threatens humanity’s survival. “Climate change spares no one, global warming will hit each one of us,” he said.

“Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi asked a question – Can the G20 go further? Can we shift our fundamental mindset for the benefit of all humanity? I believe we can and that’s why we are – to work towards making the world a favourable place for everyone no matter where they live,” Michel said.

He further thanked India for its leadership and its priorities.

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