Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has accused Russia of attempting to block agricultural exports from Ukraine and called for long-term protection for shipments.

Russia announced on Saturday that it has indefinitely suspended its participation in a deal that facilitated agricultural exports from Ukraine. The deal was signed between Ukraine and Russia in July. Brokered by the United Nations and Turkey, it allowed shipments from Black Sea ports of Ukraine to resume amid continued fighting in Ukraine.

Speaking in a video released on Tuesday, Zelenskyy referred to "the grain corridor," a maritime humanitarian route set up under the deal for safe exports. He said the corridor needs reliable and long-term protection, noting that the stable supply of food to the world has to be maintained. He said, "This is literally a matter of life for tens of millions of people."

The UN and Turkey are working to realize food shipments from Ukraine without Russia's participation. On Monday and Tuesday, cargo ships loaded with agricultural products reportedly left southern Ukraine despite Moscow's announcement on Saturday.

Russia has indicated that it will not allow Ukrainian exports without its participation in the deal. It also says it will consider lifting the suspension only after there is a guarantee that Ukraine will not use the corridor for military purposes.

Ukraine was a major supplier of grain to the global market before Russia's invasion of the country.