US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has welcomed a deal to resume exports of Ukrainian agricultural goods through the Black Sea, calling it "a positive step towards addressing the far-reaching impacts of Russia's war."

In a statement on Friday, he said the international community must hold Russia accountable for the deal, ensuring Ukrainian agricultural goods reach world markets.

Blinken noted that Russia has weaponized food since the beginning of the crisis.

He urged Russia to immediately end its invasion of Ukraine. He said, "Global food security will remain at risk for as long as Russia continues its unjustified and brutal aggression against Ukraine."