Russia should stop using food as a weapon, Borrell said

The world food crisis was the result of russia’s military blockade of Ukrainian ports and russia’s attempts to turn food into weapons.

“Currently, the international community must ensure that the practical implementation of the Black Sea Grain Initiative will be continued after November 19. It is very important that this initiative, which was initiated by the UN and Turkey, be implemented.

But let’s not forget why this initiative arose. Not because a natural disaster happened. Not because of the tsunami on the Black Sea, and not because of threats of piracy. This happened as a result of the blockade by the russian army of the export of Ukrainian grain. They use hunger as a weapon,” said EU High Representative Josep Borrell at a press conference following the results of the Council of EU Ministers on Foreign Affairs, Ukrinform reports.

According to Borrell, the EU is currently doubling its efforts to explain the real causes of food insecurity to third countries. On November 14, a joint statement of the EU with US Secretary of State Blinken and British Foreign Minister Cleverley was published.

“Russia has no reason, no legal grounds for blocking food that enters international markets from Ukraine. What russia is doing is illegal, and it affects, above all, the lives of people in vulnerable countries around the world. Russia must stop turning food into weapons. This is a powerful message that the Council of EU Foreign Affairs Ministers sent today,” Borrell said.

He added that from May to October, thanks to the “corridors of solidarity” between the EU and Ukraine, it was possible to export or facilitate the export of more than 15 million tons of agricultural goods.

Also, on November 14, the European Commission announced a new humanitarian aid package of 210 million euros for 15 countries in Africa, Latin America and Afghanistan.