African governments for the most part have tried to remain neutral on Russia's war against Ukraine and have refused to join in condemning Russia's aggression or support Western sanctions.
According to Thomas-Greenfield, Africa does not want to be pressured into choosing sides.
While the energy crisis, climate change, pandemic and war are the main causes of problems in the global food supply, "the most insidious source" is hunger, which is deliberately used as a weapon of war, she added.
"Russia has systematically seized some of Ukraine's most important farmland, spoiling fields with mines and bombs. Regardless of how you feel about Russia, we all have a powerful common interest in mitigating the impact of Russia's war against Ukraine on food security," Thomas-Greenfield said.
French President Emmanuel Macron recently used similar language when, during a visit to Cameroon, he referred to the global food crisis as one of russia's "instruments of war.
Moscow denies responsibility for the food crisis and blamed Western sanctions for slowing food and fertilizer exports.
Thomas-Greenfield refuted the claim, suggesting that Russia is deliberately taking steps to disrupt global food supply chains, blaming the West.
"We have seen no indication that Russia will take a diplomatic solution to the war against Ukraine," she said.
Russia's blockade of Ukraine's Black Sea ports and hostilities on our nation's territory are disrupting the world's well-established supply chains. Of particular relevance is the threat of a food crisis for states that depend on grain exports from Ukraine and Russia, particularly in Africa. However, Russia is trying to use this situation to its own ends - it wants to force Ukraine out of African markets. This way it not only leaves our state without a source of income but also eliminates a competitor.
PigUA.info by agronews.ua