Putin Talks with Italian Prime Minister: "Lifting Sanctions on Russia Will Solve Food Crisis"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] Russian President Vladimir Putin pressured that if Western countries lift sanctions against Russia, the blockade of Black Sea ports, which is causing the food crisis, could be lifted during a phone call with Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi.

According to AFP on the 26th (local time), the Kremlin released a statement revealing the contents of the call between President Putin and Prime Minister Draghi. The Kremlin stated, "At the request of the Italian side, the two leaders held a phone call during which the Ukraine situation and food issues were discussed," adding, "President Putin pointed out that accusations against Russia regarding disruptions in agricultural product supplies are unfounded, and drew attention to the fact that the current problems are related to disruptions in production and transportation, as well as financial policies adopted by Western countries amid the COVID-19 pandemic."

During the call, President Putin reportedly emphasized, "If the West lifts sanctions against Russia, Russia is ready to contribute to overcoming the food crisis through grain and fertilizer exports." The Russian government is also continuing to pressure Western countries by preparing to open a humanitarian corridor allowing civilian ships to access Black Sea ports.

Following the Italian government's proposal of a peace negotiation plan to both Russia and Ukraine, and its submission of the plan to the European Union (EU) and the United Nations, peace mediation talks are expected to intensify. Accordingly, it is interpreted that President Putin is using the food issue as a resource weapon to exchange for the lifting of sanctions against Russia.

However, the majority of EU member states remain negative about peace negotiations with Russia. There are still significant concerns that Russia might continue the war while ostensibly preparing for peace talks. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz made a strong statement at the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting on the same day, saying, "Putin has already failed to achieve all his strategic goals," and "He must not be allowed to win and will never win."

The Russian military’s offensive in Donbas is also intensifying. According to AP News, Ukrainian Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Maliar emphasized at a press conference that "the fighting on the Donbas front has entered its most intense phase," and "the cities located on the main front lines are in a precarious situation." As Russia launches a large-scale concentrated offensive across about 40 areas in Donbas, the damage is expanding.