Blinken calls on Russia to end Black Sea blockade; 'threatening people with malnutrition'

US State Department called on Russia to end blocke of Black Sea. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged Russia to end blocke of Black Sea and not create global food problems by disrupting exports from Ukraine. Blinken emphasized that Ukraine is a "critical source" of agricultural products and is a key link in food supply chain in world. 

Taking to his official Twitter handle, Blinken shared a video and highlighted Ukraine's contribution to global food supply. In video, it is said that Ukraine has been one of largest exporters of corn, wheat and sunflower oil. According to video, Ukraine previously exported up to 5 million tons of grain per month. However, supply has been halted due to Russian military offensive in Ukraine. In video shared by Blinken, it is mentioned that Russian military aggression has resulted in 84 merchant ships being stranded in Ukraine's ports and it has caused disruption of safe passage of commercial vehicles. global food prices are rising as Russian military offensive continues in Ukraine and disruption of Black Sea will cause global food supplies to suffering and result in millions of more people at risk of famine. text in video shared by Blinken said, "Russia's blatant disregard for global food security is reprehensible. Putin must immediately and unconditionally cease his aggression against Ukraine." 

Ukraine supplies grain to almost 400 million across world: Zelenskyy

Earlier on May 9, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in his talks with EU Commission President Charles Michel highlighted that Ukraine supplies grain to almost 400 million across world. He stressed that blocking export of Ukrainian agricultural products has resulted in rising food prices across world and it could le to "growing famine and political instability in several regions of world," according to statement released by Ukrainian government. He emphasized that Russian warships in Black Sea have disrupted passage of merchant ships to Ukrainian ports. Both sides underscored importance of taking measures for Russia to unblock Ukrainian ports for exporting grain. During his visit to Ukraine, European Council President visited Odesa seaport where blocked ship with Ukrainian grain is present. 

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