Many of the United Nations Security Council members have called for another extension of a deal that allows Ukrainian grain to be exported via the Black Sea.

Brokered by the UN and Turkey, Russia and Ukraine agreed last July on the Black Sea Grain Initiative, aimed at facilitating the resumption of exports of Ukrainian farm products. The deal has already been extended twice.

Russia claims that the initiative is due to expire on Thursday.

In Monday's Security Council session on Ukraine, members called for keeping the deal intact to prevent global food prices from rising.

Japanese Ambassador to the UN Ishikane Kimihiro said Russia's intention to suspend the initiative is alarming, as it disregards potential catastrophic consequences for global food supply.

US delegate Robert Wood called on Russia to stop holding hungry people around the world hostage.

Russia's Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia criticized Western nations, saying that no progress has been made on issues blocking the exports of Russian agricultural goods.

He threatened not to agree to a further extension of the Ukrainian grain deal.

The UN says discussions on the issue will continue for the next several days.