Emmanuel OchayiIn a powerful display of determination, representatives from the United States, Romania, Ukraine, Moldova, and the European Union gathered for a second high-level meeting in Constanta, Romania to counter Russia’s food weaponization.
Their mission is to combat the global food insecurity crisis stemming from Russia’s withdrawal from the Black Sea Grain Initiative (BSGI) and its attack on the global food supply. In a resounding message, the coalition emphasized the importance of food security and the need to counter Russia’s destructive actions.
The meeting was attended by high-ranking officials, including U.S. Department of State Sanctions Coordinator, Ambassador Jim O’Brien; U.S Ambassador to Ukraine, Bridget Brink; U.S. Ambassador to Romania Kathleen Kavalec, and U.S. Ambassador to Moldova Kent Logsdon, alongside Romanian Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Sorin Grindeanu, Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Oleksandr Kubrakov, Moldovan Minister of Infrastructure and Regional Development Andrei Spinu, and Director General of European Mobility and Transport Magda Kopczynska.
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According to the Interfax report, the U.S. Embassy in Ukraine stated that, “Prior to Russia’s withdrawal from BSGI, hundreds of vessels delivered nearly 33 million metric tons of grain and foodstuff worldwide from Ukraine via the Black Sea. Almost 19 million tonnes reached developing nations, offering indispensable support for global food security.”
“While Russia has chosen to weaponize food, the United States, Romania, Ukraine, Moldova, and the European Union are pursuing viable solutions to counter Russia’s callous actions.”
Participants at the meeting also acknowledged the crucial role played by Romania and Moldova in facilitating the export of millions of tonnes of Ukrainian grain, which has been instrumental in averting widespread hunger and reinforcing global food security efforts. The acceleration of Ukrainian grain exports was highlighted as a potential boon for the populations of Ukraine, Romania, and Moldova.
“In this context, it is vital that we dispel Russia’s disinformation campaign blaming sanctions for the global food security crisis. Russia’s claims are baseless; sanctions have not targeted Russian agricultural products and fertilizer. Instead, Russia imposed restrictions on these exports,” the Embassy stressed.
Furthermore, the coalition condemned Russia’s deliberate targeting and destruction of grain, which is desperately needed in vulnerable nations. The incursions of Russian drones into Romanian territory were also denounced, with a clear call for immediate cessation.
The US Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken’s recent call with Foreign Minister Odobescu reiterated the United States’ unwavering support for Romania, its NATO ally. The United States called on Russia to cease attacking Ukrainian cities and infrastructure immediately, rejoin the Black Sea Grain Initiative, and fully implement the agreement.
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