Without further details -at least yet - the Group of 7 (G7) countries today Monday called on Russia to allow grain exports from Ukraine. Russia's tactics in recent weeks on the grain issue have raised reasonable fears of a worsening of the global food crisis.
On the other hand, not many days have passed since Russia accused the West of being to blame.
"We urgently call on Russia to unconditionally stop its attacks on agricultural and transport infrastructure and allow the free transport of agricultural products from Ukrainian Black Sea ports," the G7 leaders said.
Putin admits nothing
It will be recalled that Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed that the world is trying to blame Moscow for the problems on the global food market and denied that it has banned grain exports from Ukrainian ports.
"Our partners made many mistakes and now they are looking for a scapegoat," he said in an interview with state television earlier this month.
"The situation will worsen because the British and Americans have imposed sanctions on our fertilizers," Putin said.
[/B][BR]He added that the increase in fertilizer prices "has nothing to do" with Russia's military operation in Ukraine.
"Exporting grain from Odessa"
The Russian president said Ukraine could export its grain from ports it controls, such as Odessa.
Ukrainian grain could also be exported through Romania and Poland, and even Belarus, if sanctions against that country are lifted.
He insisted that Moscow is not blocking exports and is ready to "guarantee" their safety through Azov Sea ports.
According to Moscow's estimates, Ukraine could export 5 million tonnes of wheat and 7 million tonnes of corn. As for Russian wheat exports, they will increase to 50 million tons, Putin said.
Source: in.gr
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