ST. PETERBURG, June 17. /TASS/. The supply of Ukrainian grain to global markets cannot alleviate the problem of hunger, Russian President Vladimir Putin said at a meeting with leaders and representatives of African nations on Saturday.

"We do not believe that shipments of Ukrainian grain to the world’s market can solve the problems of poverty and hunger. No, it is not true," Putin said.

In addition, the president pointed out that developing countries, including African nations, do not have to suffer, despite any problems related to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

"We met halfway Mr. [UN Secretary General Antonio] Guterres’ proposals and did our utmost to ensure, as he said then, the exports of Ukrainian grain, first and foremost, to Africa’s poorest nations," the Russian president said.