- Global Food Crisis may come to an end as Ukraine is about to restart its grain export.
Russia and Turkey have reached a deal to enable Ukraine resume its grain exportation through the Black Sea, according to a statement released by the Turkey media.
The deal which might bring an end to the current global food shortage is to be signed on Friday by Russia, Turkey, Ukraine, and
Antonio Guterres, the UN Secretary-General, in Istanbul. The UN Secretary Genera hails the move as ‘a step forward’, while addressing reporters in New
York.
Global attempt for Russia to allow Ukraine export its grains began over two months ago but made a great shift last week when Turkey's Defense Ministry’s spoke person, Hulusi Akar, announced the success. The talks
which took place behind closed doors were, however, postponed to this week for a
conclusion.
Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelensky in his address
earlier expressed his gratitude to the UN and Turkey for their effort in
ensuring the export of food from Ukraine to other parts of the world. “We are
indeed making a significant effort to restore the supply of food to the world
market. I am grateful to the United Nations and Turkey for their respective
efforts.” Zelensky said.
Ukraine is the sixth largest producer of grains worldwide.
The country accounts for about 16% of the global grain exports. Its major grains
include wheat, corn, and barley. As of 2019, Ukraine produced over 55 million tones of wheat.
Russia placed an embargo on Ukraine's export of grains to the
global market after invading Ukraine in February. The blockade of Ukraine ports,
especially the Black Sea and Sea of Azov by the Russian army led to the
trapping of over 20 million tons of grains, meant for export, in Ukraine silos.
The blockade by
Russia has been regarded by the UN as a “real war crime”. The Russian army had also been accused of stealing grains from Ukraine while committing other atrocities
in the country.
Before the Russian Blockade, Ukraine exported grains to the
Middle East, Africa, and other parts of the world. The war in Ukraine has
resulted in a global food crisis, such as shortage of wheat flour, causing more famine and a high cost of food
globally.
Food prices around the world are expected to go down after
the successful signing of the deal. This will probably end the current global food scarcity. It is a good news for those living in the most fragile parts of the world
who have been affected most by famine and high cost of living as a result of
the war in Ukraine.
Although the UN regards this move as a way forward in the
Ukraine-Russia war, Antonio believes that the world is still far away from
making peace between Ukraine and Russia to end the ongoing fights.
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