The United States has rejected Russian President Vladimir Putin’s call on the West to lift economic sanctions in exchange for ending the blockade on Ukraine’s grain exports.
The Kremlin’s press service said Putin had telephoned Italian Prime Minister Mario Dragi that Russia would allow ships with food and fertilizer to leave Ukrainian ports to ease the looming global food crisis, but only on the condition that the West lift sanctions.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov also said earlier that grain exports from Ukraine could resume if sanctions against Russia were lifted.
White House spokeswoman Karina Jean-Pierre said Russia’s naval blockade had suspended supplies, not sanctions, and stressed that the possibility of lifting sanctions was not being discussed.
“There are no such talks,” Jean-Pierre said, adding that only Russia is talking about it.
Russia should immediately end the war in Ukraine, which affects global food security, Jean-Pierre stressed.
“It is Russia that is actively blocking food exports from Ukrainian ports, and world hunger is on the rise [Krievijas] “White House spokeswoman said.
Russia and Ukraine are major exporters of grain and therefore play a key role in the global food supply.
In recent weeks, the international community has called on Russia to allow Ukrainian grain exports. Exports are currently not possible because the Russian navy is blocking Ukrainian Black Sea ports.
Ukraine has accused Russia of blackmailing and urged the West not to lift sanctions while Russia continues its war.
–
