SANCTIONS AGAINST RUSSIA CAUSE THREAT OF GLOBAL FOOD CRISIS, KREMLIN SAYS

Mon 23 May 2022:

Russia cannot be blamed for a potential global food catastrophe, according to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, because the underlying reason is the country’s sanctions.

Peskov said the ban on fertilizer supply and other restrictions imposed on Russia in connection with the Russia-Ukraine war are among the reasons that provoke a worldwide food crisis, agreeing with UN findings.

In response to claims of blockades on the export of Ukrainian grain via sea channels, Peskov stated that Ukrainian ports were mined by the Ukrainian military to prevent the Russian cruiser from entering.

However, he warned that navigation is now unsafe for all vessels.

Peskov then noted that there are also ground routes that allow exporting of grain from Ukraine to Europe and that Russia in no way prevents the use of those routes.

“As for the sea transportation method, we say, again, that we are not the source of this problem. And on alternative routes from our side, again, we are not the sources of problems that lead to the threat of world hunger, but those who imposed sanctions against the Russian Federation and the sanctions themselves that are in effect.

“The Russian side does not prevent Ukraine from exporting grain by rail at all. When echelons with weapons are coming from Poland, no one prevents them from taking grain back on the same echelons,” he stressed.

Asked about the suggestion by EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, who said Europe needs its own army, Peskov said although Borrell occupies a diplomatic post he is clearly a supporter of power methods.

“Despite the position he (Borrell) holds, he, including publicly, constantly demonstrates a penchant for power methods,” he said.

In general, Borrell’s idea about creating a “euro-army” does not contribute to strengthening security on the continent, Peskov said.

The top EU diplomat stated on Sunday that the EU requires European armed forces to safeguard its security.

According to Borrell, the current security climate suggests that the EU should take more responsibility for its own security.

SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES

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