DISINFO: Kremlin not to blame for blocking of Ukraine grain exports
SUMMARY
Attempts to make Russia responsible for difficulties in Ukrainian agricultural exports are groundless. Anti-Russian sanctions are to blame.
RESPONSE
This is a recurring disinformation narrative from pro-Kremlin outlets claiming that the only way to break the Russian blockade of Ukraine's seaports is to lift anti-Russian sanctions. This claim is made in the context of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine.
In reality, Ukraine had been exporting grain and other commodities through its seaports freely and without problems before Russia launched an unprovoked attack on it on 24 February 2022. Economic sanctions were immediately imposed on Russia in order to compel it to withdraw from Ukraine’s entire territory and restore its territorial integrity in the internationally recognised borders. German Chancellor Olaf Scholtz said in May 2022 that the sanctions would be in place until Moscow reached a peace deal with Kyiv on Ukrainian conditions. Russia’s statements to the effect that famine may afflict millions of people in the world if sanctions are not lifted are sheer manipulation. On the contrary, Russia's blockade of Ukrainian seaports may cause famine in many parts of the world.
Ukraine is one of the world’s top agricultural producers and exporters. Before the Russian invasion, most of the food produced by Ukraine – enough to feed 400 million people – was exported through the country’s seven Black Sea ports, according to an estimate by the World Food Programme.
Read more disinformation cases about claiming that international sanctions against Russia are illegal.
Technical remark: This disinformation was broadcast via Interfax on 27 May 2022. Due to the EU decision to temporarily restrict the spread and dissemination of some Russian media, access to the link may not work inside the EU.