Putin: Russia Can Replace Ukraine's External Supply of Food Putin | Russia | Ukraine
According to the website of the German news television channel and the Russian news agency, on July 24th, a few days after Russia suspended the Black Sea food agreement, Russian President Putin announced that Russia is ready to replace Ukraine in supplying food to the outside world.
The official website of the Kremlin has published an article written by Putin for African media regarding the Russia Africa Summit that will open in St. Petersburg on July 27th, titled "Russia and Africa: Uniting for Peace, Progress, and a Bright Future.". He wrote in the article, "I am confident that whether it is food trade or free aid, we have the ability to replace Ukraine's external supply of food. Moreover, our food production is expected to reach a new high this year."
He also wrote that despite Western sanctions against Russia, Russia will still "vigorously" provide food, fertilizers, and other supplies to African countries. It is reported that Russia exported 11.5 million tons of grain to Africa in 2022, and exported nearly 10 million tons in the first six months of this year.
The food agreement, which was halted by Moscow, allows Ukraine to export food through the Black Sea. Putin wrote that this export corridor has lost its humanitarian significance. He claimed that the majority of the nearly 33 million tons of grain exported under the agreement were sold to high-income and high-middle income countries, with less than 3% - less than 1 million tons - supplied to the poorest countries.
He reminded that the original intention of the food agreement was to ensure global food security, reduce hunger risks, and help impoverished countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. But in fact, it has become a profit-making tool for Western merchants who resell Ukrainian food.
The report mentions that the Russia Africa Summit will be held in St. Petersburg from July 27th to 28th. On the eve of the meeting, Putin highly appreciated the economic cooperation with Africa.