“We Are Facing Hell on Earth": UN Urged to Unblock Ukrainian Ports for Grain Export
UN warns of “hell on earth”, unless Ukrainian ports are unblocked for grain export.
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The world is facing an unprecedented global food crisis because of Covid and fuel price increases, as David Beasley, director of the UN World Food Programme (WFP) said to the The Guardian.
"Then, we thought it couldn’t get any worse, but this war (in Ukraine – ed.) has been devastating. It is a very, very frightening time. We are facing hell on earth if we do not respond immediately. The best thing we can do right now is end that damn war in Russia and Ukraine and get the port open", Beasley said.
Previously, it was reported that Russia tried to sell the stolen Ukrainian grain in Egypt. Around 27 000 tons of grain were loaded on Matros Pozynich bulk carrier in Crimea. However, Egypt refused to buy the stolen grain. According to CNN, the Russian bulk carrier with Ukrainian grain on board was alter spotted in in the Syrian port of Latakia.
Meanwhile, the All-Ukrainian Agricultural Council reports that in Kherson Region the Russian troops continue to seize Ukrainian farming business, steal the products from warehouses and force the employees to labor. Those who refuse to work are threatened with bodily harm and violence, the association claims.
Speaking at the annual World Economic Forum held in Davos, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen accused the Russian government of using the food crisis as the weapon of war in pursuing its own geopolitical interests. According to her, the antidote to Russia's blackmail is the global cooperation between the EU country in terms of grain supply and boosting their own production.
The World is Facing Global Food Crisis Because of War in Ukraine
The UN World Food Programme (WFP), which supports people in such countries as Ethiopia, Yemen and Afghanistan, sources around 40% of its wheat from Ukraine.
Earlier this year, the prices for basic food products in the world reached their historic maximum. Many hoped that Ukrainian harvest would help to compensate the global deficit. However, the full-scale Russian invasion has shuffled all cards. According to Ukraine’s Ministry of Agriculture, around 20 million tons of grain are now stuck in Ukraine.
Before the war, 90% of Ukrainian grain had been exported though the country’s Black Sea ports capable of handling bulk carriers large enough to travel to a large distance and reach China or India, while maintaining profitability of such shipments. However, right now Ukrainian marine ports are closed. Russia controls the most part of the Ukrainian costline and has its navy deployed in the Black Sea, including ar least 20 warships and four submarines.
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