World Outrage Grows Toward Russia—This Time Over Food Crisis Sparked By Invasion

Several high-level global officials criticized Russia on Tuesday morning for its role in the worsening international food crisis sparked by its invasion of Ukraine, one of the world's largest grain exporters whose ports remain blocked by Russian forces, a move the United Nations says could cause millions to die.

The head of the United Nations World Food Programme called on Russian President Vladimir Putin to have a heart in an interview with CNN.

Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Union's European Commission, accused Russia of usinghunger and grain to wield power.

According to the U.N. and EU, about 20 million tons of grain are stuck in Ukraine, one of the world's five largest exporters of wheat, corn and sunflower oil and meal.

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg threw cold water on a plan for a naval escort operation to free the Ukrainian grain exports at a panel at the World Economic Forum.

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The war has contributed to global hunger reaching a new high, according to the U.N. Secretary-General. If the war continues to cause food shortages, it may lead to the death of millions of people. The country's agriculture ministry reported last week that grain exports so far in May are down 64% compared to the same period in the previous year.

Russia is not the source of the problem, but rather the countries that have imposed sanctions on Russia are, according to the translation of the comments by the Kremlin spokesman. The Russian Foreign Ministry said last week that it would only consider unblocking Ukrainian ports if the sanctions against Russia are reconsidered.

Chief Critic

At a UN Security Council meeting Friday, the Secretary of State accused Russia of using food as a weapon. According to the State Department's readout of the call, Blinken spoke with his Ukrainian counterpart Dmytro Kuleba and discussed potential means to export Ukraine's grain to international markets.

Surprising Fact

Satellite imagery from Maxar Technologies shared by CNN on Tuesday appeared to show Russian ships stealing grain from Ukrainian ports, backing the Ukrainian government's prior assertions that Russia was stealing its grain supply.

May Grain Exports Down More Than 60% Compared To 2021.

According to the UN, the war in Ukraine has caused a global food crisis.

The blockade of Ukrainian ports is worsening world hunger.