As the world’s concerns over grain supply have increased due to the war in Ukraine, Russia announced on Saturday that it is “ready to ensure unhindered grain exports from Ukraine” at its Black Sea ports. However, the Kremlin warned that the situation could “destabilize” further if Western countries continue to send weapons to the Ukrainian army.
Putin made these remarks in a phone conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Saturday, fearing a serious food crisis due to the offensive, the Kremlin said. France and Germany urged Russia to lift the blockade on the port of Odessa in the northwest of the Crimean Peninsula to allow Ukraine’s grain shipments and avoid a global food crisis.
Vladimir Putin explained that difficulties with food deliveries were caused by “an incorrect economic and financial policy of Western countries, as well as the sanctions imposed by these countries against Russia.” The Kremlin stressed that an increase in deliveries of Russian fertilizers and agricultural products could ease tensions in the international market, which would “clearly require the lifting of sanctions” against Moscow.
Russia and Ukraine produce one-third of the world’s wheat
Ukraine, which is an important grain exporter, especially corn and wheat, prevented its production due to conflicts. Russia, another agricultural power, cannot sell its grain production and fertilizers due to Western sanctions affecting the finance and logistics sectors. Together, the two countries produce one-third of the world’s wheat.
The armed conflict in Ukraine has upset the global food balance, raising fears of a serious crisis that will affect the poorest countries, particularly in Africa and Asia. Paris and Berlin say they have heard a promise from Russia to allow access to ships in the Black Sea port for grain exports without its strategic position being exploited militarily by Russia. Emmanuel Macron and Olaf Scholz also reiterated that any solution to the war must be negotiated between Moscow and Kyiv, respecting the sovereignty and integrity of Ukrainian territory.
But during a phone call with Macron and Scholz, Vladimir Putin stressed the danger of further destabilization of the conflict if Western countries continued to “stuff Ukraine with weapons” and warned of the risks of “aggravating the humanitarian crisis.” . According to the Kremlin, Russia is “open to continuing the dialogue” with Kyiv to resolve the armed conflict. According to the same source, peace talks with Ukraine have been stalled since March.
Paris and Berlin also demanded the release of some 2,500 fighters captured by Russian forces from the Azovstal metallurgical plant in Mariupol.
(with information from AFP and Reuters)
source: Noticias
