One of the global consequences of Russia's war on its neighbor has been food shortages and a cost of living crisis in many countries, and a deal brokered by the UN and Turkey on July 22 had provided safe passage for vessels carrying grain and other fertilizer exports.

Russia suspended its involvement in the accord over the weekend, saying it could not guarantee safety for civilian ships because of an attack on its Black Sea fleet.

In a late Tuesday night video address, Zelensky said ships were still moving out of Ukrainian ports with cargoes thanks to the work of Turkey and the UN.

"But a reliable and long-term defense is needed for the grain corridor," Zelensky said.

"Russia must clearly be made aware that it will receive a tough response from the world to any steps to disrupt our food exports," Zelensky said. "At issue here clearly are the lives of tens of millions of people."

The grains deal aimed to help avert famine in poorer countries by injecting more wheat, sunflower oil and fertilizer into world markets and to ease a dramatic rise in prices. It targeted the pre-war level of 5 million metric tonnes exported from Ukraine each month.

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