Ukrainian foreign minister: Putin seeks to trigger migration to Europe by causing food crisis

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has said Kremlin ruler Vladimir Putin's plan is to provoke a new wave of migration to Europe through a food crisis caused by the blockade of Ukrainian exports via the Black Sea.

Source: Sybiha on X (Twitter), as reported by European Pravda

Details: Sybiha said Russian terrorism also threatens countries in Africa, the Middle East and Asia.

He added that Moscow plans to destabilise Europe through similar actions.

Quote: "Putin is betting that hunger and food shortages can cause an influx of migrants. That is precisely what he aims for, particularly ahead of elections in EU member states next year. Putin knows that migration is one of the most sensitive and divisive issues in European election campaigns – especially after seeing how effectively Russian-linked networks exploited the recent Ceuta crisis."

Details: Sybiha believes that Putin will use all available methods to increase migration to Europe, with the blockade of the Black Sea being just one of them. Another is the Lukashenko regime in Belarus, he added.

Quote: "Moscow believes its strategy will create tension, sow division, strengthen radical anti-European movements, and ultimately weaken Europe's support for Ukraine. That is why supporting Ukraine's agricultural exports and unblocking freedom of navigation in the Black Sea are of strategic and existential value for the European Union, as well as the wider international community."

Details: In this context, the minister said urgent measures are needed to ensure uninterrupted commercial shipping from Ukrainian seaports, develop all possible alternative routes and mechanisms for transporting cargo through the EU, and provide maximum support to Ukrainian farmers.

"Another critical priority is to develop and jointly implement a Europe-wide strategy to counter Russia's disinformation, interference, and manipulation campaigns. Ukraine stands ready to contribute its valuable expertise," he concluded.

Background:

• In late July, vessels stopped calling at Ukrainian ports due to the deteriorating security situation. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also warned that Russia would increase pressure on the maritime corridor.
• In early August, Ukraine's Ministry of Agrarian Policy asked the European Commission to consider allocating €220 million in non-repayable support to compensate for interest on loans taken out by Ukrainian small and medium-sized agricultural producers.
• Brussels said that support will be provided through existing mechanisms.

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