Western sanctions have affected Russian food grain exports: Putin

Moscow: The United States and European countries had accused Russia of causing a serious starvation crisis around the globe by invading Ukraine. But Russian President Vladimir Putin has slammed the West for having imposed the Ukraine conflict and the subsequent sanctions on Russia. The Russian President also stated that Russia could export fertilisers and food grain if the sanctions were withdrawn. At the same time, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov reminded that resolving the global food crisis is up to Ukraine and the westerners.

Moreover, the Ukraine conflict has completed 100 days. It is claimed that Russia is tightening its grip over Ukraine. Reports of the Russian military advancing toward the food grain factories in Ukraine are being received. The western countries are accusing Russia is trying to gain control over the food grain storage in Ukraine to corner certain Asian and African countries. Criticism is rife that Russia is responsible for the developing global food grain crisis.

Russian President Vladimir Putin held telephonic discussions with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in this scenario. The Russian President raised the issue of sanctions during the discussion. The food grain exports can be resumed from the eastern Ukrainian ports under Russian control. The Russian President pointed out that this would break the impasse for the countries dependent on these exports. But the Russian President proposed that Western countries will have to withdraw the sanctions imposed against Russia for this.

The Russian President accused that the global food grain shortage is the account of the policies of the western countries. The Russian President clarified that Russia could resume even the fertiliser exports if the sanctions are withdrawn. Whereas, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, who is visiting Middle Eastern countries, accused Ukraine and Western countries of being responsible for the global food crisis. Lavrov targeted the United States and European countries, saying that the global food crisis could be averted if Ukraine and Western countries desired.

Meanwhile, 29% of the total global wheat export from Russia and Ukraine passes through the Black Sea. Ukraine is also a major exporter of corn. It is claimed that a food grain stock of nearly 22 million tonnes is lying in the Ukrainian ports.