Canada's Foreign Minister, Melanie Joly, said her country, another major agricultural exporter, stands ready to send ships to European ports so Ukrainian grain can be brought to those in need.

We need to make sure that these cereals are sent to the world. If not, millions of people will be facing famine

Melanie Joly

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, who hosted a meeting of top G7 diplomats, said the war had become a "global crisis."

She said up to 50 million people, particularly in Africa and the Middle East, would face hunger in the coming months unless ways are found to release Ukrainian grain, which accounts for a sizeable share of the worldwide supply. That is why the United States is calling for an end to Russia's blockade of Ukrainian ports.