Russia has made cynical calculation by blocking exports from Ukraine – EU at OSCE

The Delegation of the European Union to the International Organizations in Vienna said this in a statement delivered at a special meeting of the OSCE Permanent Council, according to an Ukrinform correspondent.

 Since Russia's withdrawal [from the Black Sea Grain Initiative], wheat and corn prices have soared. The simple truth is that Russia has made a cynical calculation: without regard to the global food insecurity crisis it has created through its war, by blocking exports from Ukraine it hopes to increase its own export profits in order to finance its war of aggression against Ukraine," the statement said.

The EU also condemned Russia's bombing of Ukraine's port infrastructure and Moscow's threats to attack grain shipments passing through the Black Sea.

According to the statement, the EU and its member states "remain committed to address the needs of countries vulnerable to food insecurity, including through the EU's Solidarity Lanes."

The Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine earlier published a classified report for the Kremlin leadership, which indicates that the actions of the Russian Federation, aimed at disrupting the Black Sea grain export deal, are part of a pre-designed plan.

Since July 19, Russia has been carrying out targeted air attacks on grain terminals in Ukrainian ports. The infrastructure of international and Ukrainian traders and carriers was damaged. In addition, Russia threatened to attack civilian ships that will head for Ukrainian ports.

Photo: TRT Haber