Ukraine war: Russia denies causing global food crisison July 24, 2022 at 5:34 pm

- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -

Its foreign minister, who is in Egypt, says the West is distorting the truth about food security.

Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shokry (R) meets with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov in the capital Cairo, on July 24, 2022Image source, AFP

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has begun a tour of African countries in Egypt, as he seeks to rally support amid anger over the Ukraine war.

He blamed the West for encouraging Ukraine to fight Russia “to the bitter end”.

Mr Lavrov held talks in Cairo with his Egyptian counterpart, Sameh Shoukry.

Egypt has significant ties with Russia, which supplies wheat, weapons and – until the invasion of Ukraine began – large numbers of tourists.

After his talks with Mr Shoukry, Mr Lavrov told a joint news conference that the West was prolonging the conflict even though it understood “what and whose end it will be”.

“We are in no way prejudiced against resuming negotiations on a wider range of issues, but this does not depend on us, because the Ukrainian authorities – starting from the president and down to his numerous, countless advisers – repeatedly say that there will be no talks until Ukraine defeats Russia on the battlefield,” he said.

“In this, the Ukrainians are being actively encouraged by their Western handlers, be it London, Washington, Berlin or any other European Union and Nato capital. So the choice is theirs.”

It is the first stage for Mr Lavrov of a brief tour of Africa taking in Ethiopia, Uganda and Congo-Brazzaville.

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

He added that Russia appreciated Africans’ “balanced position” on the issue of Ukraine.

Many African nations are badly affected by grain shortages caused by Russia’s war in Ukraine.

Ukraine and Russia usually supply more than 40% of Africa’s wheat, the African Development Bank says.

Egypt is normally a big consumer of Ukrainian wheat. In 2019, it imported 3.62 million tonnes of it, more than any country.

But in his article, Mr Lavrov rejected the accusation that Russia was “exporting famine” and blamed it on Western propaganda.

He added that Western sanctions imposed on Russia had exacerbated “negative tendencies” in the international food market that stemmed from the coronavirus pandemic.

2px presentational grey line

Taking advantage of a reluctance to take sides

By Will Ross, Africa regional editor, BBC World Service

Sergei Lavrov is trying to convince African countries that they are better off siding with Russia than the West – using phrases like “we’ll help you complete the process of decolonisation”.

But it’s clear across much of the continent that there’s a reluctance to take sides over the war in Ukraine. The Cold War had a devastating impact, fuelling conflicts in Africa and halting development.

Right now, of greatest concern is the spiralling cost of food and fuel. More than 40% of Africa’s wheat comes from Russia and Ukraine.

Some African leaders will be aware that when people can’t afford to eat, their own positions in power are less secure.

2px presentational grey line

This video can not be played

To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.

- Advertisement -

Discover

Sponsor

Latest

Ukrainians in the UK: ‘My dad refused safety, he will protect the land’on February 25, 2022 at 3:45 pm

UK-based Ukrainians tell of fears for their homeland's future and their attempts to help from afar.

Euston shooting: Girl, 7, and five others injured near churchon January 14, 2023 at 7:43 pm

A girl is in a life-threatening condition after a shooting which injured another child and four women.Three women and a seven-year-old girl have been...

Budget 2021: Domestic abuse extra money welcomed, but ‘shortfall remains’on March 3, 2021 at 5:47 pm

The domestic abuse commissioner says the £19m is "hugely welcome", but wants longer-term funding.The domestic abuse commissioner says the £19m is "hugely welcome", but...

Family claim Rotherham Hospital delays led to death of boyon November 26, 2022 at 4:51 pm

Yusuf Mahmud Nazir, five, was not admitted to hospital despite his uncle "begging" for help.Image source, On behalf of Yusuf Nazir's familyA five-year-old...

Japan swelters in worst heatwave since 1875on June 29, 2022 at 6:30 am

Unrelenting temperatures break records for June as officials warn of a looming power shortage.Image source, ReutersJapan is sweltering under the hottest day yet of...