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Russia ready to grant passage to vessels with food from Ukrainian ports — senior diplomat

According to Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko, the resolution of a food problem requires a comprehensive approach

MOSCOW, May 25. /TASS/. The resolution of a problem with food products requires demining the waters near Ukrainian ports and Russia is ready to provide a humanitarian corridor for vessels to pass, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko told journalists on Wednesday.

"The resolution of a food problem requires a comprehensive approach, including that related to the lifting of sanctions imposed on Russian export and financial transactions, as well as mine clearing is needed on the part of Ukraine in all the ports where the ships are docked. Russia is ready to provide the necessary humanitarian passage which it is doing on a daily basis," the senior diplomat said.

Commenting on statements by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen that Russia is allegedly using the food issue as a blackmail weapon and that it is necessary to seek opportunities for dialogue with Moscow on this issue, the diplomat noted that Russia is always ready for dialogue with everyone who aspires to resolve issues peacefully. "The Russian side is always ready for dialogue with everyone who desires peace, a peaceful resolution of all problems," he said. "I’d leave the statements by Ursula von der Leyen on her conscience," he added.

Earlier, von der Leyen told Reuters that European countries should seek the opportunity to establish dialogue with Russia on the issue of resuming the export of grain and other food products in order to avoid a global food crisis.

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