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Russia has said it is prepared to allow grain to leave Ukrainian Black Sea ports as long as sanctions imposed against Moscow due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine are eased.
The comments by Russian deputy foreign minister Andrei Rudenko follow fear that Russia's Blockage of Ukrainian ports could cause global starvation as accusations mount that Vladimir Putin is weaponizing food as part of his invasion.
Ukraine is a major exporter of corn and sunflower oil, and together with Russia, provides nearly a third of global wheat and beardly supplies . Around 20 million tons of grain remain stranded at Black Sea ports prompting Western countries to propose "safe corridors" for food exports, but this would require Russian consent.
Rudenko said on Wednesday that Moscow was open to this idea but that "the solution to the food problem requires a comprehensive approach," news agency Interfax reported.
This included requiring Ukraine "to clear all ports where ships are docked," resolving issues with insuring vessels and allowing Russian ships access to European ports and vice versa.
"Russia is ready to provide the necessary humanitarian passage, which it does everyday.
Russia's Statements that it is willing to allow the exports of food from Ukraine given the right terms come amid a narrative pushed on Kremlin-backed television warning of food supply problems for those who opposed Russia.
Political scientist Dmitry Egorchenkov said that countries with "normal relations with Russia, not even friendly, but just normal, won't go hungry."