UK warns Russian strikes on Black Sea delay grain supplies to Palestinians

23/10/2024 11:40

        British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said, Russia's increased attacks on the Black Sea ports in Ukraine are delaying vital aid reaching Palestinians and stopping crucial grain supplies from being delivered to the global south.
        
        Starmer said in a statement issued by his press office, "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."
        
        The United Nations said on Monday that Russian attacks on Ukrainian Black Sea ports have damaged six civilian vessels as well as grain infrastructure since Sept. 1, calling the ramp-up in strikes "distressing".
        
        According to British Defence Intelligence, Starmer said, at least four merchant vessels have been struck by Russian munitions in the Black Sea between Oct. 5-14.
        
        Starmer said, "(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."
        
        According to Starmer's statement, the Russian strikes are believed to have delayed a ship from departing Ukraine while carrying vegetable oil destined for the World Food Programme in Palestine, as well as vessels with grain destined for Egypt and World Food Programme shipments bound for southern Africa.