Russia “Responsible” For Ongoing Crisis In Sri Lanka: Ukraine’s Zelensky
Sri Lanka is experiencing its worst economic crisis since independence in 1948.
Kyiv:
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky blamed Russia for causing unrest in Sri Lanka and around the world by blocking food products during the invasion of Ukraine.
One of the main tactics Russia used during its invasion of Ukraine was to create an “economic shock”, Zelenskyy said, adding that some countries were experiencing food and fuel shortages due to the crisis. Disruptions in supply chains have been in favor of Russia’s agenda.
Highlighting the crisis in Sri Lanka in a recent speech at the Asian Leaders Conference in Seoul, he added, “The shocking increase in food and fuel prices has led to a social boom. no one knows how it will end now.”
The war in Ukraine has exposed an estimated 1.6 billion people in 94 countries to at least one aspect of financial, food or energy crisis, with about 1.2 billion people living in the countries.” perfect storm” is severely damaged.
Amidst the ongoing protests, the President who is now the power of Sri Lanka, Wickremesinghe has resigned as Prime Minister due to the escalating violence and protests in the country.
Sri Lanka is suffering from its worst economic crisis since independence in 1948, following successive COVID-19 outbreaks, which threatened to delay development for many years. Notably, the shortage of oil supply has forced schools and government offices to close until further notice. Reduced domestic agricultural production, lack of foreign exchange reserves, and a devaluation of the local currency have led to shortages.
Furthermore, due to the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, the increase in hunger since the war began has only been gradual. The number of people with severe food insecurity has doubled from 135 million before the pandemic, to 276 million in just two years. The effects of war could push this number to 323 million.
The Group of Seven (G7) leaders during the recently held summit also discussed the impact of Russia’s war on food and energy supplies, including the global economy. and said the bloc is determined to support Ukraine in the production and export of grain, oil and other agricultural products. . They called on Russia to end, without conditions, attacks on transport and agricultural infrastructure, and to allow the free movement of agricultural products from Ukrainian ports in the Black Sea.
In a recent agreement between the Russian Federation and Ukraine, the months-long blockade on grain shipments through the Black Sea will be broken, United Nations Secretary-General Guterres said in a statement. called it an important step forward in ensuring safe and secure exports. Product of Ukraine.
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