DISINFO: Ukraine, US, NATO abuse grain corridor for terrorist purposes
SUMMARY
Ukraine, the US and NATO abused grain corridors opened under the Black Sea Grain Initiative for sabotage and terrorist purposes, and had no genuine interest in providing humanitarian aid to needy countries. Their goals were subversive and militaristic, as they sought to use the grain corridor for carrying out sabotage and terrorist acts.
RESPONSE
This is a recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative from pro-Kremlin outlets about the Black Sea Grain Initiative (BSGI), attempting to blame the EU for the global food crisis. This claim was made in the context of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine where Russia is also trying to destroy Ukraine's economy and in particular its export of agricultural products.
The EU is taking further actions to facilitate the transit of Ukrainian grain exports via the Solidarity Lanes so that they reach those countries in need. This includes continued work on lowering overall logistics costs, better coordinating transit and enhancing infrastructure in ports, border interconnections and other conduits under the EU Solidarity Lanes, as well as supporting the (BSGI).
Any Ukrainian attacks on Russian military infrastructure are not acts of terrorism because they are legitimate. Ukraine has every right to hit any military facilities in occupied territories, of which Crimea is part, because Crimea is internationally recognised Ukrainian territory. There is no evidence of foreign involvement in Crimea explosions. Commenting on an explosion on the Crimean bridge that occurred overnight to 17 July 2023, White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby denied US involvement. A spokesperson for Britain's foreign ministry also rejected Russian accusations that British intelligence services might have been involved in the attack on the bridge.
Read similar disinformation narratives claiming that Ukraine and the West don’t contribute to global food security, that EU is the biggest beneficiary of the 'grain corridor', not the starving countries of Africa, and that Ukraine used grain corridors for drone strike on Russian ships.