UK working ‘intensively’ to export Ukraine’s grain and avert global food crisis

UK working ‘intensively’ to export Ukraine’s grain and avert global food crisis

Boris Johnson on Saturday promised Volodymyr Zelensky he was working “intensively” to export grain out of Ukraine and avert a global food crisis. Russia's offensive in Ukraine and Western sanctions have disrupted supplies of fertiliser, wheat and other commodities, fuelling concerns about the risk of hunger around the world. Mr Johnson, who has spoken regularly to Mr Zelensky since the beginning of the invasion, spoke about Russian President Vladimir Putin's blockade of Odessa, Ukraine's biggest shipping port. "The Prime Minister outlined to President Zelensky the intensive work taking place with international partners to find ways to resume the export of grain from Ukraine to avert a global food crisis,” a statement from Downing Street read. “He said that the UK would work with G7 partners to push for urgent progress. The leaders agreed on the next steps and the imperative for Russia to relax its blockade and allow safe shipping lanes.” Dmytro Kuleba, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister, on Saturday demanded an end to Moscow’s Black Sea port blockade. “Sanctions on Russia have no connection to the unfolding global food crisis,” he tweeted. “The sole reason for shortages, rising prices, and threat of hunger is the Russian military physically blocking 22 million