France Has Strong Words Regarding Ukraine's Food Crisis
The ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine has made it difficult for farmers to grow and export crops, leading to a devastating food shortage, particularly for grain and sugar. The food shortage has been felt not just by Ukraine but worldwide. Before the war, Ukraine exported an average of 6 million tons of food each month, reports Brookings. The country's trade routes have been blocked by Russia, preventing exports of food.
The World Food Programme reports that there are several different factors affecting Ukraine: The war, climate change, and COVID-19. These issues have driven up the cost of food, fertilizer, and fuel, which are already facing shortages globally. The site reports that countries that were previously struggling with food insecurity have faced heightened issues due to the war, and as many as 345 million people across 82 countries are facing acute food insecurity. Due to the ongoing crisis, France is now urging other countries to intervene and assist Ukraine in their defense against Russia's invasion.
France calls for aid from neutral countries
French President Emmanuel Macron asked for aid on behalf of Ukraine, reports Reuters. Macron's plea came during the September meeting of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly, which was held in New York. He stated that tensions are high and neutral countries should be doing more to assist in the crisis. He went on to say that they can no longer remain silent on the issue. Macron hopes that if countries ally against Russia, it will be forced to retreat from the war, and Europe can return to the path of peace, reports U.S. News & World Report.
Macron's half-hour-long speech specifically targeted countries that refused to speak out against Russia, many of which are globally south (via Reuters). He stated that taking action was a "responsibility of everybody to respect the UN charter." Ukraine was one of the founding members of the United Nations in 1945, and has been an active member of the organization since 1992, per the Permanent Mission of Ukraine to the United Nations. Ukraine has previously provided assistance regarding human rights violations across the globe.