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Ursula von der Leyen in Davos: Call for a global response against Russia
Photo:
ARND WIEGMANN / REUTERS
The war in the breadbasket of Ukraine has far-reaching consequences for hunger worldwide.
According to EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, the Russian handling of grain is a particular problem.
"In the Ukraine occupied by Russia, the Kremlin's army is confiscating the grain stocks and machines," the German politician accused Moscow at the World Economic Forum in Davos - and drew historical parallels: "This reminds some of a dark past - the times of the Soviet confiscation of the harvests and the devastating famine of the 1930s.«
Moscow is not only using the energy supply as a weapon, a similar pattern is emerging in food security.
Russia is deliberately bombing grain stores in Ukraine and blockading Ukrainian ships carrying wheat and sunflower seeds in the Black Sea.
In addition, Russia hoarded its own food “as a form of blackmail”.
Ukraine is considered the granary of Europe.
Many countries, including countries in Africa and Asia, depend on cheap imports from Ukraine.
However, Russia is blocking shipments of wheat from the country.
This dynamic is exacerbated by India's (now somewhat relaxed) wheat export ban.
Recently, the price of wheat rose to a record high.
Seized Russian assets to rebuild Ukraine?
Russia-controlled supplies have been halted to push world prices higher and wheat is being traded against geopolitical support, von der Leyen said.
"There is only one thought behind it: Russia uses hunger and grain to exert power." The most affected are weak countries and vulnerable population groups.
For example, bread prices in Lebanon have risen by 70 percent.
"The signs of a growing food crisis are clearly visible."
The answer must be European and global, said von der Leyen at the event in the Swiss Alps (follow the events in the live blog here).
Europe is working on getting the blocked grain from Ukraine onto the market.
In addition, the company's own production will be increased.
And Africa will be supported in reducing its dependency on imports.
Together with Egypt's President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, they are working on cushioning the effects of the war with an event on food security.
According to von der Leyen, confiscated Russian funds should also be used for the reconstruction of Ukraine.
"We should turn every stone for this - if possible also Russian assets that we have frozen," said the CDU politician.
It is about repairing the damage caused by Russian President Vladimir Putin's destructive fury and shaping Ukraine's future according to the wishes of its citizens.
According to von der Leyen, the aim of the world community should be a defeat for Russia.
“Ukraine must win this war.
And Putin's aggression must prove to be a strategic failure,” she said.
"We will do everything in our power to help Ukraine assert itself and take the future back into its own hands," von der Leyen said.
Ukraine is part of the "European family" and we are dealing with a crucial moment for all democracies in the world.
apr/dpa