Russia's black sea offensives threaten global food supplies
Russia has intensified its attacks on Ukrainian ports on the Black Sea, leading to delays in the delivery of humanitarian aid to Palestinians and hindering the transport of key grain shipments to countries in the global south, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer warned.
According to a statement from Downing Street, British intelligence has gathered information about Russia's increasing pattern of indiscriminate attacks on Ukrainian port infrastructure along the Black Sea.
These attacks have also damaged cargo ships transporting grain. Between October 5 and 14, at least four such ships were attacked, likely sustaining damage.
Attacks coincide with harvest season
It was observed that the uptick in attacks coincides with the harvest season in Ukraine, a major supplier of agricultural products crucial for global food security.
Reportedly, these attacks have delayed the departure from Ukraine of the ship MV Shui Spirit, carrying vegetable oil for the World Food Program destined for Palestine. Additionally, other vessels have been damaged, including those carrying grain shipments for Egypt, two ships transporting corn, and ships delivering goods provided by the World Food Program to southern Africa.
"Putin endangers global food security"
– Russia's indiscriminate attacks on ports in the Black Sea indicate that Putin is willing to jeopardize global food security to force Ukraine into submission. This harms millions of vulnerable people in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, as he seeks to gain an upper hand in his brutal war – Starmer declared.
– Recently, there have been reports that the Kremlin has resorted to seeking soldiers from North Korea to sustain its self-destructive war machine, an embarrassing and desperate measure, which is now resulting in increased attacks on regions in Ukraine that support the global south with essential food supplies – he added.
