An intense global scramble is on to keep Ukraine grain deal alive, as Russia pulls out

Cargo ships loaded with grain in the anchorage area of the southern entrance to the Bosporus Strait in Istanbul on Monday. Ships left Ukrainian ports on Monday despite Russia's decision to pull out from a landmark deal designed to ease a global food crisis. (Ozan Kose/AFP / Getty Images)

ISTANBUL — Turkey, the United Nations and other countries are scrambling to salvage a deal that allows for the safe export of Ukrainian grain, after Russia said it was pulling out indefinitely. Russia's move caused a spike in global wheat prices and raised fresh concerns over food shortages, especially in the developing world.

Moscow announced it was suspending its part of the arrangement after an attack this weekend on its Black Sea fleet near Crimea, for which it blames Ukrainian drone attacks. The United States and other Western powers condemned Russia's decision.