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EU’s von der Leyen says Russia bombing Ukrainian grain supplies, weaponizing hunger
Does Russia want a second Holodomor? Because this is how to go down in the history books as for the second time deliberately causing the starvation deaths of millions of Ukrainians. [IsraelTimes] European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen accuses Russia of deliberately bombarding grain warehouses across Ukraine and using food supplies as a weapon.Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has created disruptions of global food supplies, with both countries two of the world’s biggest exporters of wheat, barley and sunflower oil. The blockade of Ukrainian ports has been particularly harmful, with the EU saying sea shipments accounted for 90% of grain and oilseed exports before the war. Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, the head of the EU’s executive arm says about 20 million tons of wheat are stuck in Ukraine. Von der Leyen says exports typically amount to 5 million tons of wheat per month, and are now down to 200,000 to 1 million tons. She says "by getting it out, we can provide Ukrainians with much-needed revenues, and the World Food Program with supplies it badly needs." The European Commission has proposed helping Ukraine export its wheat and other grains by rail, road and river to get around the Russian blockade of Black Sea ports. Von der Leyen says that fragile countries and vulnerable populations suffer the most, with bread prices in  ...a strong argument in favor of European colonialism, even French colonialism...having increased by 70% and food shipments from Odesa prevented from reaching Somalia. Plus, she says "Russia is now hoarding its own food exports as a form of blackmail — holding back supplies to increase global prices, or trading wheat in exchange for political support. This is using hunger and grain to wield power." Von der Leyen adds that the EU is stepping up its production to ease pressure on the global food market while supporting Africa to become less dependent on imports. 14:07 Kuleba said that he spoke with Blinken and thanked the United States for its support: "More and more weapons, including heavy ones, are being sent to Ukraine, while Russia continues its devastating attacks in the Donbas. We also discussed ways to unblock Ukrainian exports and ensure global food security". The head of the Foreign Ministry also spoke about the theft of Ukrainian grain by Russians: “Russian thieves steal Ukrainian grain, load it on ships, pass through the Bosphorus and try to sell it abroad. I call on all states to remain vigilant and refuse any such offers. Do not buy stolen goods. become accomplices in Russian crimes. Theft has never brought good luck to anyone." Posted by: trailing wife 2022-05-26 |
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