Geneva, Switzerland- United Nations (UN)’s Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, has said the reintegration of Ukraine’s food production and fertilizers produced by Russia into world markets is vital in averting a global food crisis.
Guterres said the UN was doing everything it could to promote dialogue on this matter citing that two UN teams are working to secure a package deal which would ensure the safe and secure export of Ukrainian-produced food along with Russian food and fertilizers via the Black Sea to global markets, especially to developing countries.
“There is no effective solution to the food crisis without reintegrating Ukraine’s food production, as well as of the food and fertilizers produced by Russia into world markets despite the war. (It’s of paramount importance) to lift export restrictions, allocating surpluses and reserves to vulnerable populations and addressing food price increases to calm market volatility,” said the Secretary-General.
Meanwhile, Kremlin spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, has said that Russian military forces are not blocking grain shipments from Ukraine.
According to Peskov, Russia is willing to find ways for Ukraine to resume the shipment of grain from its Black Sea ports, though a final agreement hasn’t been reached.
“In fact, all the Heads of State and governments with whom there have been conversations recently, as well as UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, received detailed explanations from (President Vladimir) Putin that Russia does not interfere with the export of grain.
If Ukraine still manages to move on to demining ports and ensuring conditions for safe maritime navigation, then Russia will be ready to assist in escorting (ships) to international water,” said Peskov.
The global food market, already affected by climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic has been dealt by another blow due to the war between Russia and Ukraine as the two countries account for about 30 percent of global wheat exports with Russia being the world’s largest exporter of fertilizers.
