Kiev, Europe Brief News – Ukrainian President Zelensky warned that Russia’s blockade of his country’s Black Sea ports threatens global food supplies.
European Council President Charles Michel, who was forced to take shelter as he visited Odesa, also warned that badly needed supplies are stuck.
Michel said he saw silos full of grain, wheat and corn unable to be exported.
“This badly needed food is stranded because of the Russian war and blockade of Black Sea ports, causing dramatic consequences for vulnerable countries. We need a global response,” he said.
The Ukrainian port of Odesa has been hit by missile strikes. One person was killed and five injured when a shopping centre and a depot were hit, Ukraine’s armed forces say
Ukraine and the EU have discussed preventing a “global food crisis” with immediate measures to unblock Ukraine’s ports for grain exports after Russia’s blockade of Black Sea ports.
“For the first time in decades, there is no usual movement of the merchant fleet, no usual port functioning in Odesa. Probably this has never happened in Odesa since World War II,” Zelenskyy said.
“Without our agricultural exports, dozens of countries in different parts of the world are already on the brink of food shortages. And over time, the situation can become downright terrible … This is a direct consequence of Russian aggression, which can be overcome only together – by all Europeans, by the whole free world. It can be overcome by putting pressure on Russia, by effectively forcing Russia to stop this disgraceful war.”
