Russian President: Only 20% of Ukrainian grain has reached Africa; Russia seeks lasting peace
Moscow, Sept 1 (KUNA) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin revealed on Tuesday that only 2.0 percent of Ukrainian grain exported under the “Grain Initiative” reached Africa, with the majority going to Europe, and stressed that the issues Russia had identified within the framework of the agreement “remain unresolved.”
Speaking in remarks relayed by the RIA Novosti news agency from the Kyrgyz capital Bishkek on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit, Putin said, “Ukraine has damaged approximately 100 ships over 40 days, resulting in the deaths of sailors, including foreigners.” He noted that “most Ukrainian grain went to Europe at good prices instead of reaching African countries.” He added that Moscow had not attacked civilian vessels but had carried out targeted strikes against ships it claimed were transporting weapons and ammunition to Ukraine.
On the economic front, Putin affirmed that Russia still needs to repair damaged oil refineries, noting that the level of protection for these facilities has changed significantly. He suggested that Ukraine could face three crises in its financial and banking sectors in the wake of Russian attacks. He pointed out that the damage Ukraine inflicted on Russia “is not severe” and that Kyiv will not be able to inflict serious damage on Moscow. He emphasized that Russia seeks to end the war, not freeze it, and is striving for a long-term peace.
Putin observed that Kyiv feels threatened by its economy and is currently seeking negotiations, describing Ukraine’s proposals for a settlement as “strange.” He affirmed that Russia respects the positions of its partners calling for a peaceful resolution and that these partners are not exerting pressure on Moscow in this regard.
On the military front, Putin announced that the “liberation of the Donetsk People’s Republic is proceeding according to plan,” noting that Russian forces controlled approximately 270 square kilometers and 15 settlements in August, in addition to the “liberation of nine settlements in the Zaporizhzhia direction.” (End) D.A.N. / R.J.
