[Asia Economy Reporter Song Seung-yoon] Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky claimed on the 27th (local time) that nearly half of the grain exports are unable to leave the country due to Russia's blockade of ports and remain stuck in warehouses.
According to major foreign media, President Zelensky stated during a speech at an Indonesian diplomatic think tank's online forum that Russia's blockade of Ukraine's main export routes through the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov has caused about half of the country's grain exports to be trapped. He added, "Currently, 22 million tons of grain are in storage," and "It is a situation where we cannot supply grain to the international market in need on time."
Western countries have criticized Russia for weaponizing food and energy, fueling global increases in food and energy prices. On the 19th, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken demanded the lifting of the Black Sea blockade at a United Nations Security Council meeting, stating, "Russian forces have taken food supplies hostage against Ukraine and the entire world." On the 26th, UK Foreign Secretary Liz Truss also urged the lifting of the Ukrainian grain blockade, saying, "Putin is fundamentally weaponizing hunger and food shortages among the world's poorest."
The international community is discussing measures such as escorting grain transport ships to facilitate the export of Ukrainian grain. However, they are showing a cautious attitude toward military intervention.
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