Zelensky: The blockade of the Russian port could mean millions starving to death

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russia of continuing to “blackmail the world through hunger” by blocking Ukrainian ports and curbing exports of wheat, corn, vegetable oil and other food products.

In a video message recorded for Time magazine’s gala evening on Thursday, President Zelensky said Russia’s actions had left the world “on the brink of a terrible food crisis.”

“Millions of people could starve to death if the Russian blockade of the Black Sea continues,” said Zelensky.

Russia has blamed international sanctions for falling exports and what it says are Ukraine’s Black Sea mines.

Fierce fighting continued Thursday in the eastern city of Sievierodonetsk and Ukrainian officials said they needed long-range artillery to defeat Russian forces occupying large areas.

President Zelensky said in a separate speech late Wednesday that the battle for Sievierodonetsk is “one of the toughest” of the war, while stressing its importance in the key Donbas region.

“In many ways, the fate of our Donbas is being decided there,” said President Zelensky.

Ukrainian forces were forced to retreat on the outskirts of Sievierodonetsk on Wednesday after a fierce Russian attack.

Days ago, Ukrainian forces launched a counter-offensive that gave them control of about half the city, but Luhansk regional governor Serhiy Haidai told RBC-Ukraine media that when Russia began to level the city with bombing and airstrikes, it made no sense. to stay longer.

“Our forces now only control the outskirts of the city again,” Governor Haidai said. “But the fighting is going on; our forces are defending Sievierodonetsk. It is impossible to say that the Russians are in complete control of the city.

“He acknowledged the difficulties for Kiev’s forces, telling the Associated Press that “everything the Russian military owns – artillery, mortars, tanks, aviation – is being used in Sievierodonetsk to wipe the city off the face of the earth and take it completely.” under control “.

Governor Haidai said Ukrainian forces could be withdrawn to more defensive positions, such as Lysychansku, a town beyond the higher-lying Siverskyi Donets River. He has previously suggested that Kiev forces will have to withdraw to avoid the siege.