‘75 mln tonnes of grain could be stuck in Ukraine by autumn’: Zelensky

Ukraine’s president has warned of a huge build-up of grain in his country if Russia continues to blockade Ukrainian ports on the Black Sea.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (right) is pictured speaking with servicemen during a visit to a frontline in the Zaporizhia area, Ukraine, on Sunday, June 5, 2022.

PAP/EPA

Volodymyr Zelensky told a briefing on Monday that “as much as 75 million tonnes of grain could be stuck in Ukraine by this autumn,” the Reuters news agency reported. 

The Ukrainian president said his government needed anti-ship weapons that could protect its exports. 

Zelensky told reporters in Kyiv that a third-country navy could also guarantee the passage of Ukrainian grain exports through the Black Sea.

He revealed Ukraine had been exploring the idea with Britain and Turkey. 

Russia's invasion of Ukraine has blocked its seaports, preventing 🇺🇦 from exporting its grain.

We launched this week an 🇪🇺-🇺🇦 business matchmaking platform to support Ukrainian exports and avoid threats to global food security.#StandWithUkraine

— European Commission 🇪🇺 (@EU_Commission) June 5, 2022

Ukraine is one of the top exporters of grain worldwide.

However, due to the war and the resulting Russian blockade of Black Sea ports, it has been unable to bring its harvest to the world. 

Last week, the United Nations warned that the total number of people suffering from acute hunger could rise by 47 million, if the war in Ukraine continues.

Monday was day 103 of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

(pm)

Source: Reuters, bbc.com