Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal and President of the European Council Charles Michel have checked the current situation at Odesa Sea Port and coordinated joint steps to resolve the issue of Ukraine’s agricultural exports.
The relevant statement was made by the Government portal.
Shmyhal stressed that the world was already feeling the effects of the war, unleashed by Russia, on global food security, as shipping in the Black Sea has been suspended since February 24.
“Some ships were forced to enter ports from external raids due to shelling, damage, and death of crew members. Currently, about 70 vessels are blocked at Ukrainian seaports, including 10 at Odesa Port. Most ships are bulk carriers and mixed cargo vessels,” Shmyhal said.
In his words, a total of 90 million tons of Ukraine’s agricultural products intended to be shipped to Africa, Asia and Europe have been blocked.
According to Shmyhal, some of agricultural stocks were taken away by road and rail, while others are now under enemy fire or have been seized by Russian troops. Ukraine loses $170 million every day due to blocked ports, and Ukraine’s export potential has fallen by more than half, Shmyhal stressed.
“Russia’s blockade of Ukrainian seaports has already caused a sharp increase in the price of wheat, corn and sunflower oil in global markets. But, despite the aggressor’s intentions to create a global food crisis, we must do everything together to prevent famine in some countries,” Shmyhal noted.
In his words, today the Kremlin is trying to misinform the international community in order to lift sanctions. Russia is the only one to blame for the food crisis, Shmyhal emphasized.
“The world needs to see what is really happening and how Russia is blocking Ukrainian sea ports, causing food shortages across the globe,” Shmyhal added.
Meanwhile, the President of the European Council stressed that Odesa played a key role in ensuring food security around the world. (Ukrinform/Business World Magazine)