By Michelle Nichols

UNITED NATIONS – U.S. Secretary Antony Blinken claimed that Russia used food as a weapon against Ukraine, holding “hostage”, not only millions of Ukrainian citizens but millions worldwide who rely on Ukrainian food exports.

Blinken, addressing the United Nations Security Council appealed at Russia to cease blocking Ukrainian ports. Russia invaded Ukraine in February 24th to conduct what Moscow called a “specially military operation”.

According to him, “The Russian government appears to believe that food can be used as a weapon to accomplish its invasion,” which was not the case. The Russian military has literally taken control of the food supplies for many millions of Ukrainians, and others around the globe.

Global prices of grains, cooking oil, fuel, fertilizer, and other commodities have soared due to the conflict in Ukraine.

Together, Russia and Ukraine account for almost a third the global supply of wheat. Ukraine is also an important exporter of corn and barley as well as sunflower oil, rapeseed oils, and Russia has supported Moscow in its war against Ukraine. Meanwhile, Russia and Belarus account for 40% and more of the global exports potash (a crop nutrient).

Blinken denied Russian claims that Western sanctions against Moscow regarding the Ukraine war fuelled the current food crisis.

Blinken declared that Moscow has made and will continue to make the decision not to weaponize food. The Russian government has left 20 million tonnes of grain unutilized in Ukrainian silos. As global food supplies dwindle and prices rise, more people around the globe are experiencing food insecurity.

Antonio Guterres (UN Secretary-General) is working to broker an “package deal” to allow Ukraine to resume its food exports to the Black Sea, and to revive Russian food and fertilizer productions to global markets.

There is plenty of food in this world. Guterres stated that distribution is the issue and is closely linked with the conflict in Ukraine.