DISINFO: The food crisis is associated primarily with the sanctions of the US and the West
SUMMARY
Russia does not block Ukrainian ports in the Black Sea in connection with the export of grain. The food crisis is associated primarily with US and Western sanctions that have disrupted supply chains, including restrictions on grain exports from the Russian Federation.
RESPONSE
This is a Russian manipulative attempt to deflect responsability for the growing food prices and insecurity about supply.
The disinformation narrative claims that sanctions, imposed on Russia in connection with its war of aggression against Ukraine, caused the crisis, however there are no sanctions on either Russian food production or food exports.
Russia's responsibility for the global food crisis comes from the Russian war: naval blockade of Ukrainian ports, bombardment of transport infrastructure and shelling of food storage facilities. Russia’s war in Ukraine—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.
Contrary to the claim, 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.
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 attacked and destroyed substantial food stocks, production, as well as processing and transport capacities in Ukraine, and continue to block Black Sea trade routes, which prevent the export of Ukrainian grain.
Moreover, Russia blackmails the world with the threat of a food crisis, Russian officials promise to ensure the passage of vital Ukrainian food exports through the Black Sea in exchange for the end of sanctions against it.
EU sanctions are directed against the Russian government, the financial sector and the economic elites, targeting the Kremlin’s ability to finance the military aggression. The agricultural sector in Russia is not targeted.
The US also exempts transactions for food, agricultural products and medical supplies from sanctions.
Addressing the UN Security Council, European Council President Charles Michel stated: "Russia is solely responsible for this food crisis, Russia alone. Despite the Kremlin's campaign of lies and disinformation. I have seen it with my own eyes. In Odesa, millions of tons of grain and wheat stuck in containers and ships because of Russian warships in the Black Sea and because of Russia's attack on transport infrastructure. And it is Russian tanks, Russian bombs and mines that are preventing Ukraine from planting and harvesting."
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.