Russian President Vladimir Putin said Tuesday Moscow would carefully "monitor" food exports to "hostile" nations as the West pummels the country with sanctions over its military action in Ukraine.
"Against the backdrop of global food shortages, this year we will have to be prudent with supplies abroad and carefully monitor such exports to countries that are clearly hostile towards us," Putin said at a meeting on agriculture.
The Russian leader also said that the country's food production "fully" covered domestic needs and urged officials to ramp up import substitution.
"We need to set clear targets for import substitution and persistently pursue them in the very near future," he said, referring to the country's "potential" in agriculture, industry and science.
He also said it was important "to minimize the negative external effects" for Russians who should have access to "high-quality affordable food products, including fish products."
"This is a key task for the current year."
Developing and import-dependent countries have been heavily impacted by Russia's military campaign in Ukraine — the two countries that account for more than a quarter of the world's annual wheat sales.
Supply chain problems caused by the Covid pandemic have quickly worsened since Putin sent troops to pro-Western Ukraine on Feb. 24, further adding to the price of food.
Russia is a major producer of fertilizer and the financial and logistics sanctions have also hit exports, which may depress agricultural production elsewhere and further fuel price increases.
Putin said logistical and insurance issues need to be resolved to resume fertilizer exports.
"There is a shortage and people will buy it. Nobody wants to die of hunger," said Putin.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
