G7 Warns Of Global Famine As Russia Blocks Ukraine Grain Exports

The Group of Seven leading economies warned Saturday that the war in Ukraine is stoking a global food and energy crisis that threatens poor countries, and urgent measures are needed to unblock stores of grain that Russia is preventing from leaving Ukraine, Frank Jordans reported for the Associated Press (AP).

Photo Insert: German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, seen in the photo with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who hosted a meeting of top G7 diplomats, said the war had become a “global crisis.”

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, who hosted a meeting of top G7 diplomats, said the war had become a “global crisis.”

Baerbock said up to 50 million people, particularly in Africa and the Middle East, would face hunger in the coming months unless ways are found to release Ukrainian grain, which accounts for a sizeable share of the worldwide supply.

In statements released at the end of the three-day meeting on Germany’s Baltic Sea coast, the G7 pledged to provide further humanitarian aid to the most vulnerable.

“Russia’s war of aggression has generated one of the most severe food and energy crises in recent history which now threatens those most vulnerable across the globe,” the group said.

“We are determined to accelerate a coordinated multilateral response to preserve global food security and stand by our most vulnerable partners in this respect,” it added.

Canada’s foreign minister, Melanie Joly, said her country, another major agricultural exporter, stands ready to send ships to European ports so Ukrainian grain can be brought to those in need.

“We need to make sure that these cereals are sent to the world,” she told reporters. “If not, millions of people will be facing famine.” G7 also called on China not to aid Russia, including by undermining sanctions or justifying Moscow’s actions in Ukraine.

Beijing should support the sovereignty and independence of Ukraine, and not “assist Russia in its war of aggression.” G7 urged China “to desist from engaging in information manipulation, disinformation, and other means to legitimize Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.”

The grouping, which comprises Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the United States, also reiterated its stance that the territories seized by Russian forces need to be returned to Ukraine.

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