Sybiha warned of a food crisis due to Russian attacks on ships

Russian attacks on civilian vessels in Ukrainian ports and the maritime corridor could cause a new global food price surge. This was stated by Andriy Sybiha, acting Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine.

According to him, Russia is trying to repeat the consequences of the blockade of Ukrainian seaports, which it began in 2022. At that time, the global food price index grew by more than 25% in certain periods, exacerbating food insecurity for millions of families.

"Russia is trying to achieve the same result by attacking civilian vessels in Ukrainian ports and along the maritime corridor. The consequences for the world could be as serious as in 2022", - Sybiha emphasized.

Data from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations confirms a sharp rise in food prices after the start of the full-scale invasion. In March 2022, the corresponding index reached a historical maximum, rising by 12.6% in just one month and by 33.6% compared to March of the previous year.

Sybiha called on countries and regions dependent on food imports to publicly respond to the Russian attacks. He also appealed to the international community to increase pressure on Moscow and demand an end to the strikes that threaten freedom of navigation and global food security in the Black Sea.

On the evening of August 5, Russian forces attacked the bulk carrier Mera Queen under the flag of Guinea-Bissau, loaded with Ukrainian wheat, in the Black Sea. A fire broke out on the vessel, the hull was damaged. One crew member - a Ukrainian national - was killed, and three others were injured.

Based on materials from: Andriy Sybiha, FAO, ASPU