Unblocking Ukrainian ports to be main issue on WTO’s agenda - Ukraine’s Vice PM

Unblocking Ukrainian ports for the sake of global food security will be a major Ukraine-related issue on the agenda of the World Trade Organization.

This was announced by First Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Economy of Ukraine Yulia Svyrydenko, Ukrinform reports.

"Unblocking Ukrainian ports for the sake of food security will be the main Ukraine issue on the World Trade Organization’s agenda," the statement said.

It is noted that the issue was discussed during a meeting with WTO Director-General Ngozi Okondji-Iveala at the World Economic Forum.

Svyrydenko thanked the top official for his personal efforts in seeking a solution to exporting Ukrainian grain, which is vital for the whole world.

It is also noted that the officials agreed on the directions of cooperation on the eve of the 12th WTO Ministerial Conference, which will be held on June 12-15 in Geneva.

Speaking at the World Economic Forum, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that the Russian Federation, which is blocking Ukrainian grain in Ukrainian ports and continuing hostilities on Ukraine's fields, is blackmailing the international community by threatening famine in entire regions. She recalled that today Russian artillery is deliberately shelling grain storages all over Ukraine. Russian warships are blocking Ukrainian carrying with grain and sunflower in the Black Sea. The consequences of these shameful acts are obvious to all, she noted, as global wheat prices have skyrocketed, affecting the most vulnerable nations.