Putin denies accusations of blocking Ukraine from exporting grain

“We do not hinder the grain exports of the Ukraine. Grain can be exported through ports controlled by Ukraine”, the Russian President Vladimir Putin gave an interview to Rossiya-1 TV channel on June 3.

The comment was made by Putin after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky earlier this week allegations Russia is blocking Ukrainian ports in the Black Sea and controlling the coastal area of ​​Azov, making it impossible for the country to export more than 20 million tons of grain in stock, destabilizing global food security, causing food prices to fall. increased, the risk of famine and migration crisis.

“This allegation is a hoax. The world produces about 800 million tons of wheat a year, while Ukraine is said to be ready to export about 20 million tons, which is only 2.5% of global production,” the General said. system Russia emphasize.

According to the Russian president, it was Ukraine that laid mines in the shipping lanes leading to export ports. Meanwhile, Kiev accused the Russian navy of laying mines and sending warships to blockade the Black Sea.

“I have said many times, let them clear the mines and send the grain ships to sea. We guarantee that the passage of ships will not be any problem,” Putin said.

He suggested Ukrainian grain should be exported through Belarus, Romania, Hungary and Poland, but any circulation through Belarus would require the West to lift sanctions on the country. He also said that Moscow has almost completed mine clearance at Ukrainian ports currently controlled by Russian forces.

“Another way to export grain is through ports in the Sea of ​​Azov such as Berdyansk, Mariupol, which we control. We are ready to ensure smooth exports, including grain from Ukraine, through all the whole port,” the Russian president said. “We have completed clearing the mines that the Ukrainian army has scattered there and created the necessary logistical bases.”

He announced the country was ready to increase grain exports by 2022-2023.

“In the 2021-2022 season, we will export 37 million tons of grain and will increase to 50 million tons in 2022-2023,” Putin said.

Russia and Ukraine account for 29% of global wheat exports, mainly shipped through the Black Sea, and 80% of sunflower oil exports around the world. Ukraine is also a large-scale corn exporter.

According to the minutes of the United Nations Security Council meeting on May 21, the world has only 10 weeks of wheat left, and the situation is worse than the financial crisis of 2007-2008. Many countries around the world have banned the export of food, including wheat, to ensure domestic supply.

Mr Zelensky earlier this week accused Russia of “stealing” at least half a million tonnes of grain from Ukraine and “trying to sell it illegally somewhere”. Ambassador of Ukraine to Turkey Vasyl Bodna yesterday also said that Russia moved “cut cerealsp” from Ukraine to foreign countries, including Turkey.

Russia and Turkey have not yet responded to this allegation.

Huyen Le (Follow CNN, Rossiya-1)