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The TQ Samsun bulk carrier transits the Bosphorus Strait during the early morning hours on July 18, 2023 in Istanbul, Turkey. The TQ Samsun is the last grain ship, carrying corn and rapeseed, to leave Ukraine under the Black Sea grain initiative. Russia notified the United Nations that it would not extend the Turkey, U.N-brokered deal that was signed on July 22, 2022 giving safe passage to vessels carrying grain and foodstuffs from Ukrainian ports. The agreement was meant to avert food shortages related to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, one of the world's largest grain exporters. After almost a year of the initiative, a total of 32.8 million tons of grain and foodstuffs has been exported safely. As the July 17th, 2023 extension deadline arrived, Russia announced that it would not re-join the program, stating they did not believe that commitments to allow Russian food and fertilizer exports had not been implemented. (Photo by Chris McGrath/Getty Images)
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