World News
Blinken warns Russia to stop using 'food as weapon of war' in Ukraine
As the United Nations Security Council convenes in New York on Thursday, officials from the U.S. and other countries plan to push Russia to stop using food as a “weapon,” Secretary of State Antony Blinken said.
“I think Russia is hearing a demand signal from countries around the world that they they need to stop using food as a weapon of war in Ukraine,” Blinken told George Stephanopoulos on “Good Morning America."
Russia announced last month that it would end its participation in a deal that had allowed ships carrying millions of tons of Ukrainian grain to exit through the Black Sea.
Ukraine has long been one of the world's biggest exporters of grain, wheat and corn. More than half of the grain that has left Ukraine since the Russian invasion began has gone to developing countries, including many in Africa, Blinken said.
Biden administration officials had previously said that the exit would “will exacerbate food scarcity and harm millions of vulnerable people around the world.”
“Russia’s decision to resume its effective blockade of Ukrainian ports and prevent this grain from getting to markets will harm people all over the world,” John Kirby, spokesperson for the National Security Council said last month. “Russia will be fully and solely responsible for the consequences of this Military act of aggression.”
Blinken said on Thursday that U.S. officials "hope" that Russia will engage with international leaders on grain shipments out of Ukraine.
“We’ve got 91 countries to date signed up not to use food as a weapon of war,” he said.
-
World News1d ago
Mauritius Suspends Access to Social Media Ahead of Parliamentary Elections
-
World News1d ago
The rise of the junta — a brief timeline of events up to now
-
World News1d ago
Your Questions About Diwali, the Festival of Lights, Answered
-
World News1d ago
Typhoon Kong-rey Hits Taiwan’s East Coast, Leaving At Least One Dead
-
World News2d ago
Family of Jailed Iranian Nobel Laureate Says She’s Fighting for Her Life
-
World News2d ago
The Horror of the Pelicot Trial Goes Far Beyond This Case
-
World News3d ago
At Least 95 People Die in Devastating Flash Floods in Spain
-
World News4d ago
El Presidente Colombiano Gustavo Petro Emprende una Misión Contra los Combustibles Fósiles