United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres, referring to Russia-Ukraine relations, said in an interview with Spain’s El Pais, “I believe that peace negotiations are not possible at this time” as “both parties are convinced that they can win.” He continued, “The most important initiative has been the export of grain from Ukraine and food products and fertilizers from Russia through the Black Sea.” But with Russia threatening to back out of the UN/Turkey-brokered Black Sea Grain Initiative on May 18 blocking Ukrainian seaborne exports of corn and wheat, it appears the grain deal is teetering on the brink of collapse. This would immediately impact global food security for tens of million of people. However, Guterres believes China’s diplomatic and mediation involvement will prevent the risk of nuclear escalation.
