Von der Leyen – Michel: More than 20 million tons of grain have been blocked in Ukraine and must be exported

More than 20 million tonnes of grain have been stranded in Ukraine, mainly in the port of Odessa, and need to be exported urgently, said Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Charles Michel.

During a press conference, Ursula von der Leyen said the EU was working to create alternative routes, the “Solidarity Strip”, which would allow grain to be exported by road and rail. “Roads are difficult and more expensive, but for now it is the only possible solution,” she said.

“Egypt and other African countries are the victims of this impending food crisis,” said European Council President Charles Michel. “We are on the side of the United Nations to find a solution to open a sea route to the Black Sea. That would be the best solution, but we are not sure that it will go ahead. “for sure,” added Charles Michel. “That’s why we need to look at alternative ways to export grain,” he said. However, he ruled out a way out through Belarus, due to EU sanctions.

Finally, Ursula von der Leyen stressed that “the food crisis that is being created is serious and the responsibility lies solely with Russia, which is waging this unjustified war.” He said Russian forces were not only blocking wheat exports from Ukraine, but were bombing and destroying agricultural production and wheat warehouses.

Source: AMPE

Source: Capital

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