Russia's attacks in Black Sea threaten global food security – Starmer

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has stated that Russia's attacks on the Black Sea are threatening global food security.

As reported by Reuters, Starmer emphasised that Russia's indiscriminate strikes on ports in the Black Sea highlight that Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin "is willing to gamble on global food security in his attempts to force Ukraine into submission".

He noted that the recent intensified attacks on Black Sea ports in Ukraine’s south are delaying the delivery of food supplies to Palestine and other Global South countries.

Citing UK intelligence, Starmer stated that Russia had struck at least four commercial vessels in the Black Sea between 5 October and 14 October.

"[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," Starmer said.

The departure of a vessel carrying oil for the World Food Programme in Palestine was delayed due to the Russian attacks. 

In addition, ships carrying grain for Egypt and other cargo for the World Food Programme destined for South Africa were unable to depart on time.

Over the past three months, Russia has conducted nearly 60 attacks on ports, civilian ships and grain storage facilities in Ukraine. As a result, almost 300 port infrastructure facilities, 177 vehicles and 22 civilian vessels have been damaged or destroyed.

In particular, Russian forces launched a missile attack on the port infrastructure of Odesa Oblast on the evening of 9 October. Reports indicated that a Panama-flagged civilian vessel has been damaged.

The European Union has responded to the increase in Russian strikes on civilian ships transporting Ukrainian grain by urging the countries concerned to press Moscow into stopping these actions.