German FM calls for Black Sea ceasefire to resume grain exports before grain spoils

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul called for a ceasefire in the Black Sea region on Tuesday, September 29, during the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly's autumn session in Strasbourg. He emphasized that resuming grain exports is crucial before the grain spoils, stating that the disruptions pose a significant threat to countries in the Global South.

A potential famine could destabilize entire nations, trigger refugee flows, and lead to widespread human suffering. Wadephul's push for a ceasefire came after his meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in New York, where the issue of resuming grain shipments was a key topic. Despite this, Wadephul expressed dissatisfaction with Russia's response to the talks, noting that Ukraine and European countries are willing to participate but Moscow remains unready for substantive negotiations.

He stressed the need for Europe to take an active role in potential peace talks, as the issue concerns the future of Europe itself. Wadephul welcomed Washington's diplomatic efforts but stressed that European security matters cannot be decided without European participation. This includes future security guarantees for Ukraine and its terms of accession to the European Union.

All decisions concerning Ukraine must be made by Ukraine itself, Wadephul reiterated during his meeting with Lavrov on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.