The Use of Food as a Weapon: Russia’s Attempts to Cause Famine in Ukraine

The use of food as a weapon occurred in three stages. This opinion was expressed by the senior lawyer of the “Global Rights Compliance” organization Yusuf Khan, stating that

the aggressor started using hunger against the Ukrainians right after the start of the war, when Ukrainian cities were besieged and food supplies were cut off.

Among the documented incidents is the death of 20 civilians in Chernihiv on the morning of March 16, 2022, when Russian bombs exploded outside a supermarket where Ukrainians were queuing for bread.

The siege of Mariupol is also in the focus of the investigators. Food supplies to the city were cut off and humanitarian corridors were blocked or bombed, making it very difficult or impossible for civilians to escape.

The second phase, according to the lawyer, is the destruction of objects necessary for the survival of civilians. This includes the destruction of food and water supplies as well as energy sources throughout Ukraine during the fighting.

“If you destroy objects that civilians need, such as energy infrastructure for the winter, then your actions are planned,” he added, recalling that Nikolayev was left without drinking water from the start of the full-scale invasion.

The third stage is Russia’s attempts to prevent or limit Ukrainian food exports.

“Then we saw Russia attacking grain factories on the Danube and showing off its muscles in the Black Sea,” Khan said, referring to Ukrainian officials who said 270,000 tons of food was destroyed in late July and early August.

“Putin may be held accountable for committing these crimes directly, jointly and/or through others, as well as for failing to exercise adequate control over Russian military personnel or other individuals accused of specific criminal acts,” the lawyer claims.

Russian attempts to cause famine

On June 6, 2023, the head of the office of the President of Ukraine, Andriy Yermak, said that Russia’s bombing of the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant is a blow to global food security that the enemy wants to destroy.

“This disaster will affect the irrigation system in southern Ukraine. The Russians need hunger in the countries of the world, especially in Africa,”

2023-09-24 11:16:00
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