Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed today 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 a lot of mistakes and now they are looking for a scapegoat," he claimed. "The situation will worsen because the British and Americans have imposed sanctions on our fertilizers," Putin said in an interview with state television. He added that the increase in fertilizer prices "has nothing to do" with Russia's military operation in Ukraine.
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 the ports of the Sea of Azov.
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: APM
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