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Lithuania calls for naval coalition to guard Ukrainian grain. Photo/Illustration
Landsbergis proposed the idea during talks with the Minister of Foreign Affairs English Liz Truss in London on Monday, she explained to British media The Guardian in an interview. Truss reportedly voiced British support, in principle, for such a coalition.
Russia has denied that it imposed a naval blockade on Ukraine, calling the reports “speculation,” and insisting that Kiev itself had caused logistical problems for shipping by planting mines in its own ports.
But according to the Lithuanian Foreign Minister, a coalition of willing states – with significant naval power is needed to protect shipping routes in the Black Sea from Russia.
Landsbergis said this naval escort operation should not involve NATO.
“This will be a non-military humanitarian mission and not worth the no-fly zone,” he told The Guardian as quoted by Russia Today, Tuesday (24/5/2022).
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Not only Britain, but countries hit by grain shortages, including Egypt, could join the operation, the top Lithuanian diplomat suggested.
“The time is very, very short. We are approaching a new harvest and there is no other practical way to export grain except through the Black Sea port of Odessa,” he stressed.
“It’s very important for us to show vulnerable countries that we are ready to take the necessary steps to feed the world.”
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