The United States and Russia are blaming each other for the global food crisis

International Desk: The United States and Russia have blamed each other for the deteriorating food situation around the world since the start of the war in Ukraine. Such a response was received from both countries on Thursday (May 19). Washington has called on Russia to allow the export of Ukrainian grain stuck in the Black Sea port to deal with the crisis.

At a meeting of the United Nations Security Council convened by the United States, Secretary of State Anthony Blinken called for an end to the blockade of the Black Sea ports. Allow free flow of ships, trains and trucks carrying food outside Ukraine. ' The US Secretary of State also warned of threats to cut off food and fertilizer exports to countries critical of Russia's aggression against Ukraine. He alleges that food supplies for millions of Ukrainians and many more around the world have been literally taken hostage by the Russian military. Russia's ambassador to the United Nations, Vasily Nebenzia, has denied the allegations in a statement issued Friday stating "Similar, baseless allegations concerning Russia's intelligence have been made more than once. Blaming the West for the food crisis, he said the world has long been suffering from a food crisis due to rising insurance costs and inflation stemming from speculation in the Western market. He further added that Ukraine had set up a mine on the Black Sea coast and blocked the port.

The official also accused Ukraine of not wanting to co-operate with shipping companies in rescuing dozens of foreign cargo ships stranded at Ukrainian ports. Condemning Western sanctions against Russia, he said it had worsened food insecurity around the world. In response, the US Secretary of State also said that the sanctions do not prevent Russia from exporting food and fertilizers. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres recently warned of a global food shortage. He called on Russia to allow Ukrainian grain exports. The response from the two countries came a day after he made the call. Food prices have peaked in recent years due to the global food crisis. With the economic and political influence of developed countries, the world is under threat of famine and debt crisis.

Russia's aggression has been accused of deepening food insecurity. Ukraine and Russia supply about 10 percent of the world's food. They produce 30 percent of the world's wheat exports and 70 percent of sunflower oil. At least 26 countries depend on Russia and Ukraine for more than half of their food grains.