“Ukraine is one of the world’s most important grain exporters, but its export routes are not functioning because Russia has turned the Black Sea into a war zone. Russia is systematically attacking the ports and vessels needed to deliver Ukrainian grain to people in Africa, the Middle East and other regions,” the foreign minister said. “This demonstrates that Russia’s aggression against Ukraine has global consequences and that countries beyond Europe also have a direct interest in seeing it brought to an end.”
One of the UN Sustainable Development Goals is to end hunger and ensure food security. Russia’s aggression against Ukraine is putting the achievement of this goal at risk.
“Ukraine is ready to end the war and has repeatedly supported a full ceasefire and agreements ensuring safe navigation in the Black Sea. By continuing its attacks every day, Russia is proving that it wants the war to continue,” Tsahkna said.
“The international community must pressure Russia to end the war or, as a first step, agree to a full and unconditional ceasefire,” Tsahkna said. “If this cannot be achieved, a moratorium on attacks in the Black Sea is needed.”
According to Tsahkna, the international community must not allow hunger to be used as a weapon of war and coercion.
Yesterday, the foreign minister also attended the opening of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly and, on behalf of Estonia as this year’s chair of the Nordic-Baltic Eight (NB8), chaired an NB8 foreign ministers’ meeting with Canada.
Tsahkna also held meetings with the foreign ministers of Algeria and Uruguay, UN Under-Secretary-General Jean-Pierre Lacroix, President of the UN General Assembly Khalilur Rahman and US Senator Ruben Gallego.
