Increasing Russian attacks on Ukrainian ports are jeopardizing global food security by delaying essential aid deliveries to Palestine and other nations in the so-called Global South, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s office said in a news release on Oct. 23.
Starmer noted that the attacks have intensified with the onset of the harvest season in Ukraine, a crucial supplier of agricultural products vital for global food security.
“Russia’s indiscriminate strikes on ports in the Black Sea underscore that (Russian President Vladimir) Putin is willing to gamble on global food security in his attempts to force Ukraine into submission,” he said, as quoted by Reuters.
Between Oct. 5 and Oct. 14, Russia targeted at least four commercial vessels in the Black Sea.
“(Putin) is harming millions of vulnerable people across Africa, Asia and the Middle East, to try and gain the upper hand in his barbaric war,” Starmer said.
In particular, the maritime attacks have delayed a ship carrying oil intended for Palestine’s World Food Programme, as well as vessels loaded with grain for Egypt and other cargo bound for South Africa.
Starmer said that Russia’s behavior shows disdain for the norms and laws that govern the international system.
“Not only was their illegal invasion a blatant attack on the principles of the UN Charter, but the way they have executed their war in Ukraine shows no respect for human life, or the consequences of their invasion across the world,” he said.
Cover: Shutterstock
