Russia blames Ukraine for grain blockade

By ibadmin  | Date: June 07, 2022

Released on 08.06.2022

"If the Kiev authorities mature, we will be only too happy to cooperate": Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Ankara . Photo: Burhan Ozbilici/AP/dpa

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Russia attacks the neighboring country and blocks Ukrainian Black Sea ports, which are mined by Ukraine. Ships with shipments of grain cannot put out to sea. The Russian foreign minister blames Kyiv.

Ankara.

In the dispute over the blockade of Ukrainian grain in Black Sea ports, Russia has denied any guilt. During a visit to Turkey on Wednesday, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov blamed Ukraine itself.

Ukraine refuses So far, mines have been removed from their ports or otherwise guaranteed passages for cargo ships, Lavrov said after a meeting with Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu in Ankara. The meeting did not bring any concrete results, such as the establishment of a security corridor.

"We are ready to ensure the safety of ships leaving Ukrainian ports," Lavrov said. Referring to Ukraine, he added: "If now - as our Turkish friends tell us - it is ready either to clear mines or to ensure passage through minefields, then we hope that this problem will be solved." Cavusoglu said Turkey supports a UN plan that involves all three countries. However, Kyiv and Moscow still have to agree to this.

In fact, the Russian Navy has been blockading the Ukrainian Black Sea ports since the beginning of the war of aggression against the neighboring country more than three months ago. Kyiv does not trust Moscows promises of safe passage. Lavrov downplayed global concerns about hunger crises. The problem with the export of Ukrainian grain is classified by the West as a "universal catastrophe", although the Ukrainian share in the world production of wheat and other grains is less than one percent.

Later Lavrov added: "There have never been any obstacles from our side to solving this problem - in fact, a small problem, it is small. If the Kiev authorities mature, we will be only too happy to cooperate." (dpa)