Russia sets out conditions to avoid food crisis

Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council Dmitry Medvedev – Photo: AP

“Our country is ready to fulfill its obligations. However, we also look forward to receiving support from our trading partners, including on international platforms,” ​​Medvedev wrote on Telegram messaging app.

In addition, according to AFP news agency, the deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council said that “there is no logic for them to impose crazy sanctions against Russia on the one hand and demand food supplies on the other.”

“Things don’t work like that, we’re not fools,” Medvedev stressed.

According to Mr. Medvedev, countries that import wheat and other food commodities will have a very difficult time without supplies from Russia. He also thinks that without Russian fertilizers, fields in Europe and elsewhere will only grow weeds.

“We have every opportunity to make sure other countries have food and that a food crisis doesn’t happen. Just don’t interfere in our affairs,” former Russian president Medvedev said.

On the same day, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova reiterated Russia’s position that the current food crisis is the result of Western sanctions, among other factors.

Zakharova said Moscow is continuing to provide food under its trade agreements and as part of humanitarian assistance.

Also on May 19, Interfax news agency (Russia) quoted Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrei Rudenko as saying that Moscow would consider opening Ukraine’s ports in the Black Sea if the West considers lifting sanctions. against Russia.

Russia and Ukraine produce about 30% of the global wheat supply. Russia is the world’s leading supplier of fertilizers and gas.

Moscow’s special military operation in Ukraine and an unprecedented series of international sanctions against Russia have disrupted supplies of fertilizer, wheat and other food items from these two countries. This pushes food and fuel prices up around the world, especially in developing countries.

The United Nations (UN) has called on Russia to allow Ukrainian grain exports to be kept in ports in the Black Sea.

During the UN conference on food security on May 18, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that the food crisis caused by the war in Ukraine could last for many years if no countermeasures are taken.