MFA Ukraine on invaders expropriating Ukrainian grain: Russia walks in the footsteps of Stalinists, Nazis

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine strongly condemns Russia's criminal actions related to the so-called "expropriation" of farmers’ crops in the temporarily occupied parts of Kherson region.

This is stated in a comment by the Foreign Ministry, Ukrinform reports.

The Foreign Ministry stressed that the decision of the Legislative Assembly of Russia’s Krasnoyarsk Territory is nothing but a direct continuation of the criminal policy pursued by the Soviet government responsible for the Holodomor of 1932-1933 and the mass artificial famine of 1921-1923 and 1946-1947.

"By stealing grain, which the invaders refer to as 'expropriation,' Russia is following in the footsteps of Stalinists and Nazis," Ukrainian diplomats said.

The Foreign Ministry stressed that looting of grain from Kherson region, as well as blocking shipments from Ukrainian ports and planting mines on maritime navigation routes threaten the world's food security. The diplomats reminded that Ukraine provides food to almost 400 million people worldwide as Ukrainian grain is traditionally exported to Europe, North Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.

"By its illegal actions, Russia is in fact robbing not only Ukraine but also foreign consumers. The United Nations estimates that about 1.7 billion people may face poverty and famine due to food disruptions as a result of a full-scale war waged by Russia against Ukraine. In addition, Russia continues to deliberately block Ukraine’s sowing campaign, destroying agricultural machinery and launching missile strikes throughout our country," the statement said.

The Foreign Ministry stressed that the criminal export of Ukrainian grain is yet another evidence of Russia's destructive actions, violating the basic principles of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) - ensuring food security and overcoming hunger.

"Such a policy of the aggressor state calls into question the expediency of its membership in FAO and other international organizations," the ministry said.

In this regard, Ukraine demands that Russia cease the illegal theft of grain, unblock Ukrainian ports, restore freedom of navigation, and allow the passage of merchant ships. Also, Ukraine calls on the international community to strengthen economic sanctions to stop Russia's armed aggression against Ukraine, prevent humanitarian catastrophe and deterioration of food security around the world.

As reported, the Legislative Assembly of the Krasnoyarsk Territory of the Russian Federation published on its website their plans to "expropriate the surplus crops of Kherson region’s farmers."

Verkhovna Rada Commissioner for Human Rights Liudmyla Denisova said that the Russian invaders were illegally taking out grain and food from the temporarily occupied territories.