DISINFO: Russia does not interfere in the export of Ukrainian grain
SUMMARY
Russia does not interfere in the export of Ukrainian grain, logistical problems arose due to Kyiv's mistake, as its forces mined its seaports.
RESPONSE
The claim is part of Russia's attempt of manipulation and disinformation in its war on Ukraine. In particular, it seeks seeks to deflect Russia's responsibility for difficulties with food export.
Russia’s unprovoked aggression against Ukraine, which led to a war between two agricultural production powerhouses, in the context of globalised agricultural markets—presents never-before-seen consequences for global agriculture and food security.
Russian warships are blocking Ukrainian ports in the Black Sea, preventing the export of grain, which poses a risk to global food supply chains. Russia's invasion of Ukraine could soon cause a global food crisis that may last for years, the UN has warned. The World Bank calls it a human catastrophe.
According to the UN's World Food Programme (UNWFP), ports in the Odesa area of southern Ukraine must be re-opened urgently to prevent the global hunger crisis from spinning out of control.
Ukraine is one of the world’s top agricultural producers and exporters. Before the Russian invasion on 24 February 2022, 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 from the World Food Programme.
The Russian invasion of Ukraine has destabilised global food markets and is driving food prices up due to increased cost of production, transport and freight insurance. Russia has destroyed substantial food stocks, production, as well as processing and transport capacities in Ukraine, and continues to block Black Sea trade routes, which prevents the export of Ukrainian grain.
For more information on this topic, read the EUvsDisinfo article covering Russian disinformation related to food security.
Read more disinformation cases about Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified military aggression against Ukraine.
Technical remark: This disinformation was broadcast via Sputnik on 30 May 2022. Due to the EU decision to temporarily restrict the spread and dissemination of RT and Sputnik inside the EU, access to the link may not work inside the EU.