Disproof
Recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation about sanctions, aiming to deflect attention from the global consequences of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, including the looming global food crisis.
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.
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.
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.