Global attention is focused more on the food and energy crisis created by the Russian invasion of Ukraine, with the Group of Seven most developed countries warning that it now threatens a state of emergency for poorer nations.
Russia’s blockade of Ukraine’s Black Sea ports has stifled exports of sunflower oil, wheat and corn, while disrupting the flow of fertilizers needed to increase yields. Ukraine is responsible for 10% of world wheat exports, 14% of corn exports and approximately half of world sunflower oil, according to the US Department of Agriculture.
“Russia’s aggressive war has sparked one of the worst food and energy crises in recent history, now threatening the world’s most vulnerable,” the G7 said after a meeting in northern Germany.
The group also vowed never to recognize the borders changed by Russia by force.
“We will never recognize the borders that Russia has tried to change through military aggression, and we will maintain our commitment to supporting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, including Crimea, and all countries,” the G-7 said.
The group said it would continue to increase economic and political pressure on Russia.
The G-7 also called on China not to help Russia, including by undermining international sanctions against Moscow.
“We encourage China to support, in accordance with international law, Ukraine’s sovereignty and independence and the integrity of its internationally recognized borders, and to urge Russia to end its military aggression against Ukraine,” the statement said.
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