The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has vowed to support the United Nation's (UN) efforts to find solutions to preserve the global supply chain after Russia formally withdrew from a UN-brokered deal to allow the flow of Ukrainian grain across the Black Sea.

"I deeply regret to learn of the disruption to the Black Sea Initiative. The unimpeded flow of shipping around the globe is of critical importance and central to the work of the IMO," said Kitack Lim, secretary-general of the IMO.

He noted that the movement of ships through the Black Sea Initiative and its impact on getting food to those who need it most, as well as stabilizing world food prices, is proof that "shipping must always continue to move."

"IMO remains ready to support the UN's efforts to find pathways for solutions to preserve the global supply chain and food security," the IMO chief said.

Russian spokesperson Dmitry Peskov reportedly told reporters that the agreement had "essentially stopped" and Russia would no longer cooperate with the earlier agreed initiative. 

The agreement on the Black Sea Grain Initiative established a maritime corridor that allowed ships to export grain and related foodstuffs from Ukraine, with the aim of addressing global food insecurity.

Since August, the program has allowed Ukraine to export over 33 million metric tonnes of food by sea, with more than half going to developing nations.