Ukraine war: Russia denies causing global food crisis

Image source, RUSSIAN FOREIGN MINISTRY/EPA

The global food crisis was not caused by Moscow according to the Foreign Minister of Russia.

He told Arab League ambassadors in Cairo that Western nations were exaggerating the impact of sanctions.

He accused the western nations of trying to dominate.

Russia's war in Ukraine has led to a shortage of grain in the Arab world and Africa.

There is anger over the war in three African nations that will be visited by Mr Lavrov.

The future of the world order is the main reason why the Western nations imposed sanctions on Russia.

The rules are written according to what the West wants to resolve in its own favor.

Sameh Shoukry was the Egyptian counterpart to Mr. Lavrov.

Russia supplies wheat, weapons and large numbers of tourists to Egypt.

The West was prolonging the conflict even though it understood "what and whose end it will be".

The first stage of the tour is in Ethiopia, Uganda and the Democratic Republic ofBrazzaville.

In an article published by local newspapers in the run up to his tour, Mr Lavrov said his country had always supported Africans in their struggle for freedom from the colonial yoke.

Russia appreciated Africans' position on the issue of Ukraine.

More than 40% of Africa's wheat is supplied by Russia and Ukraine.

Egyptian consumers of Ukrainian wheat are usually large. It imported more than any country in the year.

The accusation that Russia was exporting famine was denied by Mr Lavrov.

He said that the sanctions imposed on Russia had made the international food market less positive.

Will Ross is Africa regional editor.

"We'll help you complete the process of decolonisation" is one of the phrases Sergei Lavrov is using to convince African countries to siding with Russia.

There is a lack of willingness to take sides in the war in Ukraine. Conflicts in Africa were caused by the cold war.

The rising cost of food and fuel is the biggest concern right now. Russian and Ukrainian wheat makes up 40% of Africa's wheat.

When people can't afford food, their positions in power are less secure.