The situation with the export of Ukrainian grain is being blown out of proportion artificially as Russia does not interfere with the export of products. Moreover, Russia is ready to ensure the free passage of ships for the purpose, Russian President Vladimir Putin said during an online meeting with the leaders of the BRICS countries.
"The hysteria over the termination of the transportation of Ukrainian grain through the Black Sea ports is being blown out of proportion artificially. By the way, according to both American and our own estimates, it goes about from five to six million tons of wheat, plus seven million tons of corn. This is definitely something, but globally, of course, this does not solve any problems on the world grain market.
"But that's not the point. I have publicly stated this many times before and I want to stress this out once again that Russia does not prevent the export of Ukrainian grain from the territory of this country. Russia is ready to ensure the free passage of ships loaded with grain into international waters. Unless, of course, the Ukrainian military clear the ports of shipment and the nearby water area. Moreover, we have an understanding on this with UN representatives. There is still one thing missing — a constructive approach on the part of the Kyiv authorities," Putin said.
Russia is expecting a good harvest this year, Putin noted adding that Russia would be able to supply 50 million tons of grain to world markets.
Earlier, UN chief António Guterres said that in order to overcome the global food crisis, Russia and Ukraine must find a way to resume grain exports as there is no other effective solution to the problem.
Russia and Ukraine take up to 29 percent in world wheat exports, Guterres said. The UN chief called for practical steps to stabilize food markets and reduce commodity price volatility.