Global Food Security In Light of Russia’s unjustified Invasion of Ukraine.

On April 7, 2022, Assistant Secretary of State for Economic and Business Affairs, Ramin Toloui briefed the press corps on global food security in light of the Russian Federation’s unjustified and brutal invasion of Ukraine and the steps the U.S. Government is taking to address the issue. The telephone briefing was organized by the Washington Foreign Center.

According to Toloui, this unjustified and provoked war between Russia and Ukraine has put many people around the world at the risk of food insecurity.
It’s important to point out that Russia and Ukraine are two of the world’s most significant exporters of agricultural commodities and fertilizer and thus, with this war, it will be felt by the world’s most vulnerable citizens especially in Africa and Middle East making them to face food scarcity and starvation.

Unfortunately, most of the Ukrainian farmers who are supposed to be planting their fields to help feed the world are forced to take up arms to fight and defend their country against the invading Russians.

In addition, roads, railways, rail stations, grain silos and food storage facilities have been destroyed due to the reckless war and thereby making it difficult to to facilitate transportation and not to forget the attacks on ports and on many ships carrying goods out of Black Sea.

Luckily enough, the USA government of President Joe Biden has promised “to provide more than $1 billion in new funding towards humanitarian assistance for those affected by the Kremlin’s war against Ukraine and its severe impacts around the world.” said Toloui.

I had asked the Assistant Secretary “What are the processes being taken to provide economic and food assistance to the displaced Ukrainians?
And what obstacles, if any, are faced during this task?”

In his response, Toloui said, in addition to what he said earlier, there is an additional $300 million in humanitarian assistance already provided to Ukraine which is part of about $650 million in humanitarian assistance to vulnerable countries in the region since Russia first invaded Ukraine eight years ago.

Moreover, the US continues to work with allies and partners to help reduce the harms caused as a result of the Russian invasion and its destructions and providing assistance to Ukraine and those affected around the world, in critical needs such as safe drinking water, shelter, winterization services, livelihoods assistance, sanitation, hygiene supplies, and critical emergency health supplies to meet the needs of hundreds of thousands of people, as well as emergency food assistance.

Furthermore, the obstacles faced in executing this task like the ongoing conflict affecting the access of humanitarian organizations, the safe passage for those fleeing the war zone.

Most importantly, a temporary humanitarian ceasefire that would allow civilians to depart Mariupol and deliver humanitarian assistance to civilians who may remain would be greatly welcomed according to Toloui. This way, humanitarian aid such as food, water, and medical supplies would be quickly provided and in addition to allowing civilians to help to escape harm’s way.

By Niyi Fote/Thenews2