On May 9, the Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal and the President of the European Council Charles Michel got familiarized with the current situation of the Odessa port during a joint working trip.
The Prime Minister of Ukraine stressed that the world is already feeling the effects of russia's war on global food security, as shipping in the Black Sea has been suspended since February 24.
"Some ships were forced to enter ports from external raids due to shelling, damage, and death of crew members. Currently, almost 70 vessels are blocked in the seaports of Ukraine, including 10 in the port of Odesa. The vast majority of ships are bulk carriers and mixed cargo vessels. 90 million tons of agricultural products that Ukraine planned to supply to countries in Africa, Asia and Europe have been blocked," said Denys Shmyhal.
According to the Prime Minister, some of the stockpiles were removed by road and rail, while others are under fire or seized by the russian military. Denys Shmyhal dwelled on that Ukraine loses USD 170 million every day due to blocked ports, and our country's export potential has fallen by more than half.
"russia's blockade of Ukraine's seaports has already caused a sharp price hike for wheat, corn and sunflower oil on world markets. And despite the aggressor's intentions to create a food crisis in the world, we must do everything together to prevent famine in some countries," emphasized Denys Shmyhal.
The Head of the Ukrainian Government noted that today the kremlin is trying to misinform the world community in order to lift sanctions. According to the PM, the blame for the food crisis lies solely with russia.
"The world needs to see what is really happening and how russia is blocking Ukraine's seaports, causing food shortages in the world," said Denys Shmyhal.
The President of the European Council Charles Michel stressed that Odesa plays a key role in ensuring food security around the world.
