Russia's attacks on Ukrainian ports have global implications

The United States has called on members of the UN Security Council to work together to put pressure on Russia to stop using food as a weapon and to stop barbaric attacks on Ukrainian ports, which have global consequences.

Linda Thomas-Greenfield, US Permanent Representative to the United Nations, made the statement at a meeting of the Security Council on Wednesday, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

"Russia's attacks have global consequences. These are attacks on global food supplies, on all those who are hungry, malnourished and food insecure, especially in those parts of the world that can least afford it," the US representative emphasized.

She reminded that in the last week alone, Russians have shelled Odesa and other Ukrainian port cities. One of the attacks destroyed 60,000 tons of grain, enough to feed 270,000 people for a year. Within two days, on July 23 and 24, Russia attacked Ukrainian ports on the Danube, destroying the grain infrastructure in the port of Reni. Following the Russian attack on the port of Chornomorsk, which accounts for nearly 70% of Ukraine's wheat exports to developing countries, it will take at least a year to rebuild the infrastructure, Thomas-Greenfield said.

"The world is paying for Russia's barbaric attacks. So let's not talk about "both sides" in this issue. Only one country - one country - is using food as a weapon," the U.S. representative emphasized.

In this regard, she called on UN countries to work together to encourage Russia to stop its attacks against global food security and to continue, expand and fully implement the Black Sea Grain Initiative.

"We must continue to hold Russia accountable for its unprovoked, illegal war against Ukraine," the U.S. Ambassador added.She emphasized that the Security Council cannot remain silent, because it is time to act, as this is an urgent issue of international peace and security.

"The Ukrainian people need peace, the world needs peace. President Putin, it is high time your weapons were silenced.Withdraw your troops and stop your brutal aggression," the U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations emphasized.

Author - Serhii Kolomiets, 27/07/2023