The Horn of Africa region is facing its worst drought in 40 years. Experts are predicting a fifth failed rainy season in two years. Around 66 million people are facing a food crisis. Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Horn of Africa faces worst drought in 40 years

Ukraine war and pandemic has accelerated the food scarcity around the globe. An alarming report by the United Nations world food program said 345 million people in the world are facing severe food shortages.

War in Ukraine drives global food crisis; African nations suffering acute food scarcity

There are growing calls for a windfall tax to be imposed on grain trading companies who profiteered amid&nbsp;soaring food prices around the world, following the Russian-Ukraine war.

The International Panel of Experts on Sustainable Food Systems (IPES-Food) has claimed that the world’s top four grain traders, which have dominated the global grain market for decades, have witnessed record or near-record profits or sales, reports The Guardian.

The group is forecasting that demand outstripping supply would remain until 2024, leading to higher sales and profits in the next two years and keeping the grains beyond the reach of the poor, the report added.

“The fact that global commodity giants are making record profits at a time when hunger is rising is clearly unjust, and is a terrible indictment of our food systems. What’s even worse, these companies could have done more to prevent the hunger crisis in the first place,” Olivier De Schutter, a co-chair of IPES-Food and UN special rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights, was quoted as saying.

The four trading companies that are said to have profiteered are— the Archer-Daniels-Midland Company, Bunge, Cargill and Louis Dreyfus.

These companies, known collectively as ABCD, control an estimate of 70 to 90 per cent of the global grain trade, the UK-based news outlet said.

“Global grain markets are even more concentrated than energy markets and even less transparent, so there is a huge risk of profiteering,” De Schutte was quoted as saying.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-condemns-russia-on-targeting-civilians-warns-moscow-plans-to-hit-govt-buildings-509366" hreflang="en">US condemns Russia on targeting civilians, warns Moscow plans to hit buildings</a>

Cargill saw a 23 per cent increase in revenues to a record $165bn (£140bn) for the year ended 31 May, whereas Archer-Daniels-Midland reported the highest profits in the second quarter of the year.

Bunge’s sales surged by 17 per cent year on year in the second quarter, and Louis Dreyfus recorded profits for 2021 up by more than 80 per cent on the previous year, The Guardian reported.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-rejects-volodymyr-zelenskys-request-to-impose-a-blanket-visa-ban-on-russians-509310" hreflang="en">US rejects Zelensky’s request to impose a blanket visa ban on Russians</a>

According to the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation, food prices have soared more than 20 per cent this year.

It said that about 345 million people are experiencing acute food insecurity, compared with 135 million before the COVID-19 pandemic.

(With inputs from agencies)

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There are growing calls for a windfall tax to be imposed on grain trading companies who profiteered amid soaring food prices around the world, following the Russian-Ukraine war.

There are growing calls for a windfall tax to be imposed on grain trading companies who profiteered amid soaring food prices around the world, following the Russian-Ukraine war. The International Panel of Experts on Sustainable Food Systems (IPES-Food) has claimed that the world’s top four grain traders, which have dominated the global grain market for decades, have witnessed record or near-record profits or sales, reports The Guardian. The group is forecasting that demand outstripping supply would remain until 2024, leading to higher sales and profits in the next two years and keeping the grains beyond the reach of the poor, the report added. “The fact that global commodity giants are making record profits at a time when hunger is rising is clearly unjust, and is a terrible indictment of our food systems. What’s even worse, these companies could have done more to prevent the hunger crisis in the first place,” Olivier De Schutter, a co-chair of IPES-Food and UN special rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights, was quoted as saying. The four trading companies that are said to have profiteered are— the Archer-Daniels-Midland Company, Bunge, Cargill and Louis Dreyfus. These companies, known collectively as ABCD, control an estimate of 70 to 90 per cent of the global grain trade, the UK-based news outlet said. “Global grain markets are even more concentrated than energy markets and even less transparent, so there is a huge risk of profiteering,” De Schutte was quoted as saying. Also read | US condemns Russia on targeting civilians, warns Moscow plans to hit buildings Cargill saw a 23 per cent increase in revenues to a record $165bn (£140bn) for the year ended 31 May, whereas Archer-Daniels-Midland reported the highest profits in the second quarter of the year. Bunge’s sales surged by 17 per cent year on year in the second quarter, and Louis Dreyfus recorded profits for 2021 up by more than 80 per cent on the previous year, The Guardian reported. Also read | US rejects Zelensky’s request to impose a blanket visa ban on Russians According to the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation, food prices have soared more than 20 per cent this year. It said that about 345 million people are experiencing acute food insecurity, compared with 135 million before the COVID-19 pandemic. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Four global grain firms record profits amid food crisis, calls grow for levying of windfall tax

Sri Lanka's trouble simply don't seem to end. After an economic and political crisis, the Island is now facing a food shortage. The rice crop across Sri Lanka is failing and the lack of fertilizers and farm equipment is being blamed.

Food crisis looms in Sri Lanka; rice crop stunted

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres announced that the United nations is working with the United States and European union to overcome obstacles preventing Russian food and fertilizers reaching world markets.

'Working to get Russian food to markets,' says UN chief on global food crisis

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Saturday warned that Russian fertilisers and agricultural products must reach world markets "unimpeded" or the world risks a global food crisis as early as next year.

"It is important that all governments and the private sector cooperate to bring them to market."

A grain export agreement was reached between Ukraine and Russia this July, the deal is backed by the UN and Turkiye, and implemented by the Joint Coordination Centre (JCC).

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The accord grants Russia the freedom to export its fertilisers and agricultural goods in defiance of Western sanctions, however, as per Guterres, Russian shipments of these commodities are nevertheless encountering "obstacles".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-chief-inspects-grain-ship-off-the-coast-of-turkey-508707" hreflang="en">UN chief inspects Ukraine grain ship off the coast of Turkey</a>

"What we see here in Istanbul and in Odessa is only the more visible part of the solution. The other part of this package deal is the unimpeded access to the global markets of Russian food and fertiliser, which are not subject to sanctions," Guterres said.

He added that "Without fertiliser in 2022, there may not be enough food in 2023. Getting more food and fertiliser out of Ukraine and Russia is crucial to further calm commodity markets and lower prices for consumers."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-does-the-latest-775mn-us-arms-package-to-ukraine-include-508745" hreflang="en">What does the latest $775mn US arms package to Ukraine include?</a>

Since August 1, 650,000 tonnes of grain and agricultural products from Ukraine have departed the ports of Odessa, Chornomorsk, and Pivdenny in accordance with the conditions of the July agreement.

Earlier, due to the February Russian invasion of Ukraine, exports of cereal from Kyiv, one of the top producers and exporters in the world, were halted for several months, sparking concerns about a possible worldwide food catastrophe.

(With inputs from agencies)

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UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Saturday warned that Russian fertilisers and agricultural products must reach world markets "unimpeded" or the world risks a global food crisis as early as next year.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Saturday warned that Russian fertilisers and agricultural products must reach world markets "unimpeded" or the world risks a global food crisis as early as next year. "It is important that all governments and the private sector cooperate to bring them to market." A grain export agreement was reached between Ukraine and Russia this July, the deal is backed by the UN and Turkiye, and implemented by the Joint Coordination Centre (JCC). The accord grants Russia the freedom to export its fertilisers and agricultural goods in defiance of Western sanctions, however, as per Guterres, Russian shipments of these commodities are nevertheless encountering "obstacles". Also read | UN chief inspects Ukraine grain ship off the coast of Turkey "What we see here in Istanbul and in Odessa is only the more visible part of the solution. The other part of this package deal is the unimpeded access to the global markets of Russian food and fertiliser, which are not subject to sanctions," Guterres said. He added that "Without fertiliser in 2022, there may not be enough food in 2023. Getting more food and fertiliser out of Ukraine and Russia is crucial to further calm commodity markets and lower prices for consumers." Also read | What does the latest $775mn US arms package to Ukraine include? Since August 1, 650,000 tonnes of grain and agricultural products from Ukraine have departed the ports of Odessa, Chornomorsk, and Pivdenny in accordance with the conditions of the July agreement. Earlier, due to the February Russian invasion of Ukraine, exports of cereal from Kyiv, one of the top producers and exporters in the world, were halted for several months, sparking concerns about a possible worldwide food catastrophe. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION LIVE HERE: You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Allow Russian shipments to move 'unimpeded' or risk a global food crisis, warns UN chief

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky recently said that the Russian invasion might have caused Ukraine’s harvest to be half what it usually is this year, raising concerns about world hunger. The president posted a tweet in English saying that this year’s harvest could be twice as little. He claimed that his nation’s major objective was to stop the food crisis brought on by the Russian invasion. These remarks came at the same time as it was revealed that the owner of one of Ukraine’s leading agricultural firms had died during the bombardment in Mykolaiv, close to the Black Sea, reported The Guardian.

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Ukrainian harvest this year is under the threat to be twice less. Our main goal — to prevent global food crisis caused by Russian invasion. Still grains find a way to be delivered alternatively. Watch a new episode of <a href="https://twitter.com/United24media?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@United24media</a> «Yep, this is Ukraine»: <a href="https://t.co/JvaqQcnXb3">https://t.co/JvaqQcnXb3</a> <a href="https://t.co/hBxuvjlFWc">pic.twitter.com/hBxuvjlFWc</a>
— Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) <a href="https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/1553642928928612352?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 31, 2022</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

The Ukrainian president tweeted a video in which Ukraine produced 80 million metric tonnes of grain in 2021, including wheat, corn, and barley, enough to feed nearly 400 million people for six months.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraines-grain-tycoon-killed-in-russian-missile-attack-502417">Ukraine’s grain tycoon killed in Russian missile attack</a>

Last week, Zelensky declared that the grain tankers were ready but were awaiting approval from the UN and Turkey. Both Turkey and the UN guarantee the safe passage of ships transporting grain from the three Ukrainian ports as part of an agreement signed on July 22.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/first-ukraine-grain-ship-departs-odessa-port-bound-for-turkey-502497">First Ukraine grain ship departs Odessa port</a>

Ukraine has been facing many problems in exporting its grain by road and train, but it has encountered delays and red tape at borders. Due to this, silos still hold a mountain of grain from Ukraine and a 10-year rise in food prices, leading the UN World Food Programme to issue a warning about the possibility of several famines if immediate actions are not taken.

Ukraine, before Russia’s invasion, was considered to be the breadbasket of Europe and a major supplier to nations in the North, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. At the time when Russia invaded, it blocked Ukraine’s ports, causing a global grain scarcity and prompting the UN to issue a hunger emergency alert.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky recently said that the Russian invasion might have caused Ukraine’s harvest to be half what it usually is this year, raising concerns about world hunger.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky recently said that the Russian invasion might have caused Ukraine’s harvest to be half what it usually is this year, raising concerns about world hunger. The president posted a tweet in English saying that this year’s harvest could be twice as little. He claimed that his nation’s major objective was to stop the food crisis brought on by the Russian invasion. These remarks came at the same time as it was revealed that the owner of one of Ukraine’s leading agricultural firms had died during the bombardment in Mykolaiv, close to the Black Sea, reported The Guardian. Ukrainian harvest this year is under the threat to be twice less. Our main goal — to prevent global food crisis caused by Russian invasion. Still grains find a way to be delivered alternatively. Watch a new episode of @United24media «Yep, this is Ukraine»: https://t.co/JvaqQcnXb3 pic.twitter.com/hBxuvjlFWc — Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) July 31, 2022 × The Ukrainian president tweeted a video in which Ukraine produced 80 million metric tonnes of grain in 2021, including wheat, corn, and barley, enough to feed nearly 400 million people for six months. Also read | Ukraine’s grain tycoon killed in Russian missile attack Last week, Zelensky declared that the grain tankers were ready but were awaiting approval from the UN and Turkey. Both Turkey and the UN guarantee the safe passage of ships transporting grain from the three Ukrainian ports as part of an agreement signed on July 22. Also read | First Ukraine grain ship departs Odessa port Ukraine has been facing many problems in exporting its grain by road and train, but it has encountered delays and red tape at borders. Due to this, silos still hold a mountain of grain from Ukraine and a 10-year rise in food prices, leading the UN World Food Programme to issue a warning about the possibility of several famines if immediate actions are not taken. Ukraine, before Russia’s invasion, was considered to be the breadbasket of Europe and a major supplier to nations in the North, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. At the time when Russia invaded, it blocked Ukraine’s ports, causing a global grain scarcity and prompting the UN to issue a hunger emergency alert. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Russian invasion might have caused Ukraine’s harvest to be half than the usual: Zelensky

The war in Ukraine has led to energy and food crisis around the world. The crisis has been especially harsh on Europe where gas prices have surged by nearly 30% in two days.

Europe: Gas prices surge by 30% in 2 days; Zelensky accuses Russia of imposing 'price terror'

As the US urged Russia to allow Ukrainian grain out quickly into the international market, officials signalled China to provide more grain to poor countries.

"We would like to see it act like the great power that it is and provide more grain to the poor people around the world," James O'Brien, head of the US State Department's Office of Sanctions Coordination, said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-has-around-10-bln-worth-of-grain-available-for-sale-says-zelensky-499897">Also Read:&nbsp;Ukraine has around $10bn worth of grain available for sale, says Zelensky</a>

James O'Brien said: "China has been a very active buyer of grain and it is stockpiling grain at a time when hundreds of millions of people are entering the catastrophic phase of food insecurity."

The US official asserted that the Biden administration wants China to provide its grain stockpile to the World Food Programme (WFP) and other agencies.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Ukraine, Russia sign grain deal: Deal to ease global food crisis?

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O'Brien informed that 40 per cent of grain shipment from Ukraine in April has gone to China, calling it "awkward" while adding that "it would have been much better to see that grain going to Egypt, in the Horn of Africa and other places."

The development comes as Ukraine and Russia on Friday inked a deal in Istanbul to allow Ukrainian grain shipment which has been stuck since the Russian invasion in February. Reports claim over 25 million tonnes of wheat and other grain is piled up at Ukrainian ports, ready to be exported.

Russia said it will implement the deal over the next few days even as the US said it was "clear-eyed" stating that it is "hopeful that this is going to make a difference".

President Volodymyr Zelensky meanwhile said he "trusted" the United Nations to guarantee the deal. The Ukrainian president said the value of Ukraine's grain stock stood at $10 billion.

(With inputs from Agencies)

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As the US urged Russia to allow Ukrainian grain out quickly into the international market, officials signalled China to provide more grain to poor countries. "We would like to see it act like the great power that it is and provide more grain to the poor people around the world," James O'Brien, head of the US State Department's Office of Sanctions Coordination, said.

As the US urged Russia to allow Ukrainian grain out quickly into the international market, officials signalled China to provide more grain to poor countries. "We would like to see it act like the great power that it is and provide more grain to the poor people around the world," James O'Brien, head of the US State Department's Office of Sanctions Coordination, said. Also Read: Ukraine has around $10bn worth of grain available for sale, says Zelensky James O'Brien said: "China has been a very active buyer of grain and it is stockpiling grain at a time when hundreds of millions of people are entering the catastrophic phase of food insecurity." The US official asserted that the Biden administration wants China to provide its grain stockpile to the World Food Programme (WFP) and other agencies. Watch: Ukraine, Russia sign grain deal: Deal to ease global food crisis? O'Brien informed that 40 per cent of grain shipment from Ukraine in April has gone to China, calling it "awkward" while adding that "it would have been much better to see that grain going to Egypt, in the Horn of Africa and other places." The development comes as Ukraine and Russia on Friday inked a deal in Istanbul to allow Ukrainian grain shipment which has been stuck since the Russian invasion in February. Reports claim over 25 million tonnes of wheat and other grain is piled up at Ukrainian ports, ready to be exported. Russia said it will implement the deal over the next few days even as the US said it was "clear-eyed" stating that it is "hopeful that this is going to make a difference". President Volodymyr Zelensky meanwhile said he "trusted" the United Nations to guarantee the deal. The Ukrainian president said the value of Ukraine's grain stock stood at $10 billion. (With inputs from Agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

China stockpiling grain when millions of people are facing food insecurity, says US

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. The ongoing Russia-Ukraine war has triggered a global food crisis with climate shocks and the coronavirus (COVID-19) further fanning it. The war is driving rising prices of fertilizer, fuel and food. Experts and international agencies have claimed that millions of people across the world are at risk of being driven into starvation unless action is taken. On Wednesday (July 13), Russia and Ukraine made substantive progress in their first direct talks since March to discuss and tackle the ongoing global food crisis. The main cause is the block of the Black Sea used for grain exports. ALSO READ | Ukraine dismisses claims that West-supplied arms ending up on black market, calls it Russian propaganda The United Nations and Turkish officials in Istanbul were involved in the crucial meeting, which took place behind closed doors and at an unknown location. The officials have agreed to meet again in Turkey next week. The Turkish defence minister Hulusi Akar said that Russia and Ukraine have made enough progress in resolving their dispute. In a statement, Akar said: "It was agreed that the Russian and Ukrainian delegations should meet again in Turkey next week." Russia and Ukraine's defence delegations agreed on "joint controls" at ports and on ways to "ensure the safety of the transfer routes" across the Black Sea, Akar said. ALSO READ | Russia shot down three Ukrainian fighter jets, says Russian defence ministry He also hinted that a final agreement on releasing an estimated 20 to 25 million tonnes of grain could be announced next week. Akar said, "At this meeting, which we will hold next week, all the details will be reviewed once again and the work we have done will be signed. After the meeting, the UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said a "critical step forward" had been made toward reviving Ukrainian grain exports but cautioned that "more technical work will now be needed to materialize today's progress". He told reporters in New York: "Next week, hopefully, we'll be able to have a final agreement. But, as I said, we still need a lot of goodwill and commitments by all parties." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Substantive progress in Russia and Ukraine's first talks since March over deal to restore grain exports

The United Nations met requests for funds on Tuesday (July 6), to help the Central African Republic deal with a growing food crisis. The organisation’s World Food Programme (WFP) said that a nation of 5.5 million people, 2.2 million amongst them are stated to be acutely food insecure and the situations are expected to get worse over the next few months. The spokesman for the WFP, Tomson Phiri, told the reporters, “The Central African Republic is facing unprecedented humanitarian needs and a deteriorating food security situation,” reported by AFP.

Prior to the rainy season, which impedes access to much of the country’s food stock and lasts from July to September, WFP said it’s been difficult to pre-position the food inventories in shortage areas. Phiri said that the WFP was urgently appealing for $68.4 million. He further added that getting food into the CAR was taking longer than usual and getting petrol was a challenge. Millions of people will continue to experience food and nutrition without rapid funding, he said.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/africa-is-actually-a-hostage-zelensky-blames-food-crisis-on-russia-490049">Also read |&nbsp;'Africa is actually a hostage': Zelensky blames food crisis on Russia</a>

The representative said, the WFP may have to reallocate food from people who are already hungry ‘to the one who are hungrier.’ He said, “Given the current levels of food insecurity and operational constraints, we expect the humanitarian needs to further deteriorate.”

Watch |&nbsp;WION Wideangle | Food: A weapon of war?

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He further added, “Our teams are telling us that humanitarian assistance will be required well beyond 2022 and into 2023."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-north-korea-grapples-with-food-crisis-flour-now-a-luxury-item-report-492992">As North Korea grapples with food crisis, flour now a luxury item: Report</a>

Acute food insecurity affects one of the greatest per cent in CAR, along with countries like Afghanistan, Yemen and South Sudan.&nbsp;

CAR is one of the poorest nations in the world, it has spent much of the previous 9 years ripped apart by the civil wars, however, the intensity had decreased since the year 2018.&nbsp;

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(With inputs&nbsp;from agencies)

The United Nations met requests for funds on Tuesday (July 6), to help the Central African Republic deal with a growing food crisis. The organisation’s World Food Programme (WFP) said that a nation of 5.

The United Nations met requests for funds on Tuesday (July 6), to help the Central African Republic deal with a growing food crisis. The organisation’s World Food Programme (WFP) said that a nation of 5.5 million people, 2.2 million amongst them are stated to be acutely food insecure and the situations are expected to get worse over the next few months. The spokesman for the WFP, Tomson Phiri, told the reporters, “The Central African Republic is facing unprecedented humanitarian needs and a deteriorating food security situation,” reported by AFP. Prior to the rainy season, which impedes access to much of the country’s food stock and lasts from July to September, WFP said it’s been difficult to pre-position the food inventories in shortage areas. Phiri said that the WFP was urgently appealing for $68.4 million. He further added that getting food into the CAR was taking longer than usual and getting petrol was a challenge. Millions of people will continue to experience food and nutrition without rapid funding, he said. Also read | 'Africa is actually a hostage': Zelensky blames food crisis on Russia The representative said, the WFP may have to reallocate food from people who are already hungry ‘to the one who are hungrier.’ He said, “Given the current levels of food insecurity and operational constraints, we expect the humanitarian needs to further deteriorate.” Watch | WION Wideangle | Food: A weapon of war? He further added, “Our teams are telling us that humanitarian assistance will be required well beyond 2022 and into 2023." Also read | As North Korea grapples with food crisis, flour now a luxury item: Report Acute food insecurity affects one of the greatest per cent in CAR, along with countries like Afghanistan, Yemen and South Sudan. CAR is one of the poorest nations in the world, it has spent much of the previous 9 years ripped apart by the civil wars, however, the intensity had decreased since the year 2018. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. (With inputs from agencies)

UN requests for urgent funds to help Central African Republic with food crisis

Commonwealth Summit 2022 which was being held in Rwanda has finally concluded. By the end of the summit, Togo and Gabon were admitted in the group. The total members of the group now stand at 56.

Commonwealth Summit concludes in Kigali: Togo and Gabon admitted in the group

The Commonwealth leaders summit is underway in the Rwandan capital of Kigali. Prince Charles is there representing the queen along with the Duchess of Cornwall. Prince Charles and UK PM Boris Johnson met at the summit.

Commonwealth summit 2022: Prince Charles and UK PM Boris Johnson meet at the summit

Rwanda is all set to host 26th Commonwealth Summit. Climate change and the Food crisis will be on the agenda. However, the summit comes amid Rwanda asylum row.

Commonwealth Summit 2022: Climate change, Food crisis on agenda

As foodgrain continues to remain blocked in the Black Sea port due to the Ukraine war, President Volodymyr Zelensky declared that "Africa is actually a hostage".

"This war may seem very distant to you and your countries. But the food prices that are catastrophically rising have already brought (the war) to the homes of millions of African families," the Ukraine president told the African Union.

Zelensky asserted that the "unjust level of food prices" was caused due to the Russian war which was being "painfully felt on all continents. Unfortunately, this can be a particular problem for your countries."&nbsp;

<a href="wionews.com/world/network-holding-45bn-assets-linked-to-vladimir-putin-uncovered-report-490029">Also Read:&nbsp;'Network' holding $4.5bn assets linked to Vladimir Putin uncovered</a>

The Ukraine president claimed 25 million tonnes of foodgrain was being blocked by Russia as he informed that "complex, multilevel negotiations" were underway with Russian authorities to lift the blockade of Ukrainian ports but he conceded that no progress has been made so far.

"Food crisis in the world will continue as long as this colonial war continues," Zelensky told the African countries.

Watch:&nbsp;World marks refugee day amid Ukraine war

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Russia has blockaded the Black Sea port since February when President Putin declared a "special military operation" against Ukraine with&nbsp;several Russian warships reportedly deployed in the area.

Meanwhile, Russia said "the possibility of famine" was the "fault of Western regimes". The Russian foreign ministry blamed the Western nations for "systematic mistakes" in its agricultural policy while saying that it had created "short-sighted" financial and monetary mechanisms amid the pandemic.

The foreign ministry said it is "impossible" to isolate Russia, while adding, "what is possible is for the West to isolate itself. If they isolated anybody, they isolated themselves from us. It is the absolute truth." &nbsp;

(With inputs from Agencies)

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As foodgrain continues to remain blocked in the Black Sea port due to the Ukraine war, President Volodymyr Zelensky declared that "Africa is actually a hostage".

As foodgrain continues to remain blocked in the Black Sea port due to the Ukraine war, President Volodymyr Zelensky declared that "Africa is actually a hostage". "This war may seem very distant to you and your countries. But the food prices that are catastrophically rising have already brought (the war) to the homes of millions of African families," the Ukraine president told the African Union. Zelensky asserted that the "unjust level of food prices" was caused due to the Russian war which was being "painfully felt on all continents. Unfortunately, this can be a particular problem for your countries." Also Read: 'Network' holding $4.5bn assets linked to Vladimir Putin uncovered The Ukraine president claimed 25 million tonnes of foodgrain was being blocked by Russia as he informed that "complex, multilevel negotiations" were underway with Russian authorities to lift the blockade of Ukrainian ports but he conceded that no progress has been made so far. "Food crisis in the world will continue as long as this colonial war continues," Zelensky told the African countries. Watch: World marks refugee day amid Ukraine war Russia has blockaded the Black Sea port since February when President Putin declared a "special military operation" against Ukraine with several Russian warships reportedly deployed in the area. Meanwhile, Russia said "the possibility of famine" was the "fault of Western regimes". The Russian foreign ministry blamed the Western nations for "systematic mistakes" in its agricultural policy while saying that it had created "short-sighted" financial and monetary mechanisms amid the pandemic. The foreign ministry said it is "impossible" to isolate Russia, while adding, "what is possible is for the West to isolate itself. If they isolated anybody, they isolated themselves from us. It is the absolute truth." (With inputs from Agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

'Africa is actually a hostage': Zelensky blames food crisis on Russia

The WTO has signed some landmark deals on food, health and fishing in Geneva. India's trade minister hails the WTO trade deal as a major victory for India on fisheries.

WTO signs landmark deals on food, health and fishing

The secretary of agriculture on Thursday announced at the United Nations a three-year agriculture partnership between the United States and Ukraine to address global food insecurity, which has been exacerbated by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The partnership, in the form of a memorandum of understanding, was signed virtually earlier this week by the secretary, Tom Vilsack, and Ukraine’s minister of agriculture. Vilsack said the agreement was focused on providing technical assistance to Ukraine, which before the war was the world’s fourth-largest exporter of grain and seeds, and helping the country rebuild its agriculture industry after the war ends.

Vilsack said the United States would take several other steps to address the crisis, including incentives to growers to expand their production and, accordingly, increase the amount of grain available for food aid.

The war in Ukraine has caused global food and energy prices to soar and risks creating grain supply shortages in countries in the Middle East, Asia and Africa that depend heavily on imported wheat and grain from Ukraine. The United Nations has warned that a global food crisis, already in the making because of climate change and the pandemic’s disruption of supply chains, would place hundreds of thousands of people at risk of starvation.

A global effort is underway to release some 25 million tons of Ukrainian grain that are trapped by Russia’s blockade of the country. The U.N. is also negotiating a deal in which Russia would allow transport of Ukrainian grain from ports in the Black Sea in exchange for exports of Russian fertilizers to the world market without the threat of sanctions.

“Food should not be a weapon,” Vilsack said. “It’s essential to get the grain most needed out of the ports.”

Turkey, which has played a mediating role in the food conflict, offered Wednesday to host four-way talks with Ukraine, Russia and the UN. But a breakthrough would require ports in Ukraine to be de-mined and ships to be escorted through safe corridors to avoid mines in the Black Sea. A UN&nbsp;spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, said Thursday that there was no update on negotiations.

Vilsack said that while negotiations for sea transportation continued, a parallel track was necessary to move and store grain overland through Romania and Poland by railway. This would reduce the risk of grain being stolen and would free up storage for Ukrainian farmers who will soon need to harvest winter crops, he said.

“These negotiations are incredibly important,” Vilsack said, but added: “We remain skeptical about the Russians and whether or not they are coming to this to get to the ultimate yes.”

The secretary of agriculture on Thursday announced at the United Nations a three-year agriculture partnership between the United States and Ukraine to address global food insecurity, which has been exacerbated by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The secretary of agriculture on Thursday announced at the United Nations a three-year agriculture partnership between the United States and Ukraine to address global food insecurity, which has been exacerbated by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The partnership, in the form of a memorandum of understanding, was signed virtually earlier this week by the secretary, Tom Vilsack, and Ukraine’s minister of agriculture. Vilsack said the agreement was focused on providing technical assistance to Ukraine, which before the war was the world’s fourth-largest exporter of grain and seeds, and helping the country rebuild its agriculture industry after the war ends. Vilsack said the United States would take several other steps to address the crisis, including incentives to growers to expand their production and, accordingly, increase the amount of grain available for food aid. The war in Ukraine has caused global food and energy prices to soar and risks creating grain supply shortages in countries in the Middle East, Asia and Africa that depend heavily on imported wheat and grain from Ukraine. The United Nations has warned that a global food crisis, already in the making because of climate change and the pandemic’s disruption of supply chains, would place hundreds of thousands of people at risk of starvation. A global effort is underway to release some 25 million tons of Ukrainian grain that are trapped by Russia’s blockade of the country. The U.N. is also negotiating a deal in which Russia would allow transport of Ukrainian grain from ports in the Black Sea in exchange for exports of Russian fertilizers to the world market without the threat of sanctions. “Food should not be a weapon,” Vilsack said. “It’s essential to get the grain most needed out of the ports.” Turkey, which has played a mediating role in the food conflict, offered Wednesday to host four-way talks with Ukraine, Russia and the UN. But a breakthrough would require ports in Ukraine to be de-mined and ships to be escorted through safe corridors to avoid mines in the Black Sea. A UN spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, said Thursday that there was no update on negotiations. Vilsack said that while negotiations for sea transportation continued, a parallel track was necessary to move and store grain overland through Romania and Poland by railway. This would reduce the risk of grain being stolen and would free up storage for Ukrainian farmers who will soon need to harvest winter crops, he said. “These negotiations are incredibly important,” Vilsack said, but added: “We remain skeptical about the Russians and whether or not they are coming to this to get to the ultimate yes.”

US announces three-year agriculture partnership with Ukraine to address food crisis

Ukraine, the world's 4th largest grains exporter has accused Moscow of blocking ports to provoke a food crisis. As bombing continues in Ukraine, farmers are struggling to export their goods.

Ukrainian farmers struggle to export their goods

The United Nations World food program has suspended food to almost a third of the 6.2 million people in South Sudan owing to a shortage of funds. Now, South Sudan is facing a hungriest year since Independence.

South Sudan faces hungriest year since Independence

Amid Russia's blockade of Black Sea ports, US President Joe Biden said his administration is "working with European partners to get 20 million tons of grain locked in Ukraine out onto the market to help bring down food price."

"We're going to build silos, temporary silos, in the borders of Ukraine including in Poland so we can transfer it from those cars into those silos into cars in Europe and get it out to the ocean and get it across the world," the US president said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/putins-guards-carry-his-excrement-and-urine-in-special-suitcase-report-488236">Also Read |&nbsp;Putin's guards carry his excrement and urine in special suitcase: Report</a>

Biden said "thousands of tons of grain" has been "locked up" in Black Sea ports&nbsp;as he added that it cannot be transported because "they get blown out of the water".

President Vladimir Putin's forces have blocked the Black Sea area ever since the invasion began on February 24 with Russian warships being deployed in the sea.

Watch:&nbsp;How Europe, China fund Russia's war on Ukraine

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Amid the food crisis, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky requested arms delivery to be speeded up as Russian forces continue to make inroads into eastern Ukraine.

Russian forces have targeted Severodonetsk and Lysychansk with heavy bombardment with reports indicating Ukraine forces suffering casualties amid a shortage of ammunition.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg agreed that Ukraine needs "more heavy weapons" as he declared the European military alliance had already stepped up arms deliveries.

US, UK and other European nations have sent large cache of&nbsp;arms and ammunition to Ukraine however the country has come under renewed Russian fire in eastern Ukraine.

Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki urged nations to deliver weapons and artillery to Ukraine while lamenting the fact that "not enough" was being done to defend Ukraine.

The Polish prime minister said it would be a "complete failure and disaster" for the European Union and a "loss of our values and of NATO" if Ukraine lost the war against Russia.

(With inputs from Agencies)

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Amid Russia's blockade of Black Sea ports, US President Joe Biden said his administration is "working with European partners to get 20 million tons of grain locked in Ukraine out onto the market to help bring down food price.

Amid Russia's blockade of Black Sea ports, US President Joe Biden said his administration is "working with European partners to get 20 million tons of grain locked in Ukraine out onto the market to help bring down food price." "We're going to build silos, temporary silos, in the borders of Ukraine including in Poland so we can transfer it from those cars into those silos into cars in Europe and get it out to the ocean and get it across the world," the US president said. Also Read | Putin's guards carry his excrement and urine in special suitcase: Report Biden said "thousands of tons of grain" has been "locked up" in Black Sea ports as he added that it cannot be transported because "they get blown out of the water". President Vladimir Putin's forces have blocked the Black Sea area ever since the invasion began on February 24 with Russian warships being deployed in the sea. Watch: How Europe, China fund Russia's war on Ukraine Amid the food crisis, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky requested arms delivery to be speeded up as Russian forces continue to make inroads into eastern Ukraine. Russian forces have targeted Severodonetsk and Lysychansk with heavy bombardment with reports indicating Ukraine forces suffering casualties amid a shortage of ammunition. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg agreed that Ukraine needs "more heavy weapons" as he declared the European military alliance had already stepped up arms deliveries. US, UK and other European nations have sent large cache of arms and ammunition to Ukraine however the country has come under renewed Russian fire in eastern Ukraine. Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki urged nations to deliver weapons and artillery to Ukraine while lamenting the fact that "not enough" was being done to defend Ukraine. The Polish prime minister said it would be a "complete failure and disaster" for the European Union and a "loss of our values and of NATO" if Ukraine lost the war against Russia. (With inputs from Agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

We will build temporary silos on Ukraine border to transport grain: Biden

India has given a strong stance against WTO's draft to end fisheries subsidies. Fisheries subsidies help fishermen in easy extraction. However, India's fishery subsidy is lower than other nations.

India stands strong against WTO draft as WTO pushes for elimination of subsidies

WION is reporting live from the WTO meeting in Geneva. India has presented a tough stand at WTO. It has pitched for the interests of the developing countries.

WION reports from the WTO meeting in Geneva: What is India's stand on customs duty moratorium?

12th WTO ministerial conference has kicked off in Geneva. Meeting is to take a call on at least 6 crucial issues impacting trade and livelihood. India's Union Minister Piyush Goyal said India is fighting for its farmers and the poor and for food security.

12th WTO Ministerial conference: Looming food crisis on agenda

12th WTO Ministerial conference: Looming food crisis on the agenda

Ukraine has a new accusation for Russia it says Moscow is stealing and selling grains from Ukraine and right now this is a serious allegation as the world is going through a global food crisis. Ukraine is unable to export grains to the world and now it is accusing Russia of stealing its grains and selling.

Russia-Ukraine war: Amid global food crisis, Ukraine says Moscow is stealing grains

Ukraine is one of the world's biggest exporters of grain, Western countries have accused Russia of creating a risk of global famine by shutting the country's black sea ports. However, Moscow denies responsibility for the crisis.

Russia-Ukraine war: Moscow denies responsibility for Global food crisis

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that millions of people could starve because of Russia's blockade of Ukraine's Black Sea ports. While addressing the Time100 Gala event late on Wednesday (June 8) evening, Zelensky warned that the world was on the brink of a "terrible food crisis". The Ukrainian president was featured in the category of TIME's list of 100 most influential people. The list also included Russian President Vladimir Putin. Exports from Russia and Ukraine have been impacted severely due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. Both countries are major wheat suppliers. Impact on the supply chain threatened a global food crisis. Sanctions imposed on Russia also impeded the export of grain and fertiliser. Meanwhile, in a televised statement Zelensky said that Ukraine was unable to export wheat, corn, oil and other products and added: "Millions of people may starve if the Russian blockade of the Black Sea continues." "The Russian fleet – not British or any other fleet – blocked Ukraine's Black Sea ports in a way that the world is on the verge of a terrible food crisis. It is not just a price crisis," he added. WATCH | Ukraine’s food grain problem explained: How Kyiv can resume export × Further, Zelensky on Thursday called for Russia to be expelled from the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization. It blamed Moscow for spurring the global grain crisis by invading his country. Zelensky said during an OECD meeting, "There can't be any discussion on prolonging Russia's membership in the FAO. What is there for Russia to do if they are causing hunger for at least 400 million, or potentially more than a billion people?" WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Ukraine war: Zelensky says millions of people could starve because of Russia's blockade of ports

Nearly 20 million tonnes of grain trapped in Ukraine’s warehouses. Several ‘grain elevators’ are scattered in a country that is world’s fifth-biggest wheat exporter. Why is Ukraine unable to export grain? Russian sealed off Black sea ports in Ukraine. This has affected grain export as no ship can enter or leave Ukraine.

Ukraine’s food grain problem explained: How Kyiv can resume export

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu on Wednesday (June 8) backed Russia's calls to lift sanctions on the country which were imposed on Moscow by the Western countries in the aftermath of the Russia-Ukraine war. Just like Ukraine, Russia is also a major wheat supplier. However, the exports have been hit by the sanctions, causing an impact on the global supply chain, and threatening a global food crisis. Sanctions have also impeded the export of Russian grain and fertiliser. ALSO READ | China to offer $15,000 to citizens for national security breach tip-offs Russia has demanded the removal of sanctions in return for unblocking Ukraine's Black Sea ports. Responding to that, Cavusoglu called the demands for an end to sanctions to help grain onto the world market "legitimate". "If we need to open up the international market to Ukrainian grain, we see the removal of obstacles standing in the way of Russia's exports as a legitimate demand," he said. WATCH | After Russia-Syria air strike simulation drills, Turkey gears up for offensive × ALSO READ | Iran turns off two surveillance cameras belonging to UN nuclear watchdog: Report While speaking during a joint news conference with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, Cavusoglu further said: "Various ideas have been put out for the export of Ukrainian grains to the market and most recently is the UN plan (including) a mechanism that can be created between the UN, Ukraine, Russia and Turkey. We see it as reasonable," he added. "Of course both Ukraine and Russia must accept it." Lavrov said that Moscow was ready to ensure the safe passage of vessels from Ukraine. "We are ready to ensure the safety of ships that leave Ukrainian ports. We are ready to do this in cooperation with our Turkish colleagues," Lavrov during the presser. Meanwhile, Italian Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio warns that "millions" of people could die of hunger unless Russia unblocks exports of Ukrainian grain to ease global shortages. "I want to say clearly, we expect clear and concrete signals from Russia, because blocking grain exports means holding hostage and condemning to death millions of children, women and men," he says after a virtual meeting with Turkey and Lebanon among other countries, alongside G7 president Germany and the UN's Food and Agriculture Organisation. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Ukraine war: Turkiye backs Russian demand for grain exports

Russia’s ambassador to the United Nations – Vassily Nebenzia – walked out of a security council meeting after European Council president Charles Michel accused them of using food supplies as “a stealth missile against developing countries”. The world is looking at a severe food crisis and Michel blamed the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine for the situation. Ukraine is a leading provider of food grains in the world, but the Russian military has successfully blocked ships carrying food grains from Ukrainian cities and that is resulted in a huge supply chain issue.

Michel spoke about his experience while visiting Ukraine and said that he saw a huge amount of grain and wheat getting wasted because of the ships stuck at the Ukrainian port of Odesa for a huge amount of time.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-technology/100000-times-faster-than-5g-japan-researchers-claim-data-transmission-world-record-485934" hreflang="en">100,000 times faster than 5G! Japan researchers claim data transmission world record</a>

He also pointed out that the ongoing invasion has made it impossible for Ukraine to create any more crops and the existing grains are getting destroyed due to the constant attack on storage facilities.

“This is driving up food prices, pushing people into poverty and destabilising entire regions,” Michel said according to The Guardian. “Russia is solely responsible for this looming food crisis. Russia alone.”

This resulted in Nebenzia walking out of the meeting in protest. The ambassador told Reuters that he could stay longer because of “the lies that Charles Michel came here to distribute”.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/a-decisive-win-says-pm-johnson-after-winning-confidence-vote-485775">A 'decisive' win, says UK PM Johnson after winning confidence vote</a>

Russia’s deputy UN ambassador Dmitry Polyansky also criticised Michel’s comments and said on Telegram’s Russian channel that they were not true and “extremely rude”.

In his speech, Michel also claimed that Russian military are stealing crops from different areas of Ukraine during the invasion and went on to call their actions “cowardly”.

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Russia’s ambassador to the United Nations – Vassily Nebenzia – walked out of a security council meeting after European Council president Charles Michel accused them of using food supplies as “a stealth missile against developing countries”.

Russia’s ambassador to the United Nations – Vassily Nebenzia – walked out of a security council meeting after European Council president Charles Michel accused them of using food supplies as “a stealth missile against developing countries”. The world is looking at a severe food crisis and Michel blamed the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine for the situation. Ukraine is a leading provider of food grains in the world, but the Russian military has successfully blocked ships carrying food grains from Ukrainian cities and that is resulted in a huge supply chain issue. Michel spoke about his experience while visiting Ukraine and said that he saw a huge amount of grain and wheat getting wasted because of the ships stuck at the Ukrainian port of Odesa for a huge amount of time. Also read | 100,000 times faster than 5G! Japan researchers claim data transmission world record He also pointed out that the ongoing invasion has made it impossible for Ukraine to create any more crops and the existing grains are getting destroyed due to the constant attack on storage facilities. “This is driving up food prices, pushing people into poverty and destabilising entire regions,” Michel said according to The Guardian. “Russia is solely responsible for this looming food crisis. Russia alone.” This resulted in Nebenzia walking out of the meeting in protest. The ambassador told Reuters that he could stay longer because of “the lies that Charles Michel came here to distribute”. Also read | A 'decisive' win, says UK PM Johnson after winning confidence vote Russia’s deputy UN ambassador Dmitry Polyansky also criticised Michel’s comments and said on Telegram’s Russian channel that they were not true and “extremely rude”. In his speech, Michel also claimed that Russian military are stealing crops from different areas of Ukraine during the invasion and went on to call their actions “cowardly”. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Russia walks out of Security Council meeting after EU blames Kremlin for looming food crisis

Amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, the world is reeling under a global food security crisis. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin said West's poor policies are root cause of food crisis.

Russian President Putin blames the West for food crisis

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