Moscow-backed region in Ukraine begins grain exports to Russia

MOSCOW

Moscow-backed officials in Kherson, Ukraine have begun exporting grain to Russia amid a global food shortage.

Kiril Stremousov, Moscow's representative in the southern port city, told Russian news agency TASS that the winter harvest in the region has begun.

Stremousov stated that there is surplus grain in the city.

“We have a place to store grain, but there is a large amount of grain. People are now starting to export grain to buyers in Russia,” said Stremousov.

He added that the administration will also transport sunflower seeds from the region to processing facilities in Russia.

Western and Russian officials are warning of the global food crisis due to the war in Ukraine and sanctions.

Russia and Ukraine, as significant major grain exporters globally, had a share of approximately 30% in world wheat exports last year.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that Russia is ready for unhindered grain exports, including the export of Ukrainian grain from Black Sea ports, but this requires the lifting of relevant sanctions against Russia.

*Writing by Gokhan Ergocun from Istanbul