Lithuanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Gabrielius Landsbergis invited willing countries to create a naval coalition that would help lift the Russian blockade in the Black Sea and resume grain exports from Ukraine. He made his proposal during a conversation with British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss, writes The Guardian..
" We are approaching a new harvest, and there is no other practical way to export grain, except through the Black Sea port of Odessa,” Landsbergis explained..
He stressed the need to show vulnerable countries the willingness to act to prevent world hunger..
The Minister called for the organization of a naval escort operation, which will not be controlled by NATO, which will protect ships with grain crops on their way in the Black Sea. In his opinion, in addition to Britain, the initiative could also be joined by countries affected by the potential loss of grain, for example, Egypt..
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“What we have just seen is only the beginning.. The worst will happen in the next five to seven weeks when the first crop is harvested and there is nowhere to put it.. This will mean that people in North Africa, the Middle East and Southeast Asia will pay exorbitant prices for wheat, corn and other food items,” Landsbergis said..
As noted, the plan will also need to clear part of the Black Sea to ensure safe passage and an agreement with Turkey, which controls the Bosphorus..
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According to Landsbergis, warships or aircraft, or both, could be involved in the operation..
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In turn, British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss supported the proposal of her Lithuanian counterpart. She noted that her country would like to provide warships to escort ships with food, if it is possible to clear the harbor and provide Ukraine with longer-range weapons to protect the coast.. Britain is discussing the plan with allies, she said..
Earlier, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson decided to redouble efforts to provide vital food and humanitarian aid to people from Ukraine affected by the war..