DISINFO: Western sanctions are the major culprit for the global food crisis
SUMMARY
Concerning the blocked Ukrainian ports, it is important to take into account all reasons for the food crisis. Foremost, the anti-Russian sanctions by the US and EU, which go against free trade. The solution to the food crisis lies in the cancellation of sanctions on Russian exports.
RESPONSE
This is one of many examples of Kremlin manipulation and disinformation seeking to convince global audiences that international sanctions, imposed on Russia are to blame for the surge in food and fuel prices. As explained in our analysis, Russia’s actions are directly destabilising global food markets, while Russian disinformation is exacerbating tensions in a bid to deflect blame and undermine global support for Ukraine.
The international sanctions imposed on Russia target the Kremlin’s ability to finance its military aggression against Ukraine and not the agricultural sector. The sanctions have exemptions regarding export and transactions related to food and agricultural products.
In its attempt to subjugate Ukraine, Russia has been targeting food storages, stealing harvest and farm equipment, destroying food processing and transport capacities in Ukraine and, crucially, blocking Ukrainian ports in the Black Sea to prevent the export of Ukrainian grain.
Read earlier disinformation cases claiming that Ukraine is paying for weapons with grain, that Russia does not allow Kyiv to organise Holodomor in Ukraine, and that Western countries are to blame for surge in food and energy prices.
For more information on this topic, read the EUvsDisinfo article covering Russian disinformation related to food security.
Technical remark: This disinformation case was broadcast via Sputnik on 31 May. Due to the EU decision to temporarily restrict the spread and dissemination of RT and Sputnik inside the EU, access to the Sputnik link may not work.