KIEV, June 8. /TASS/. Ukraine will restore export of grain from the ports only if its security is ensured, Ukrainian National Security and Defense Council Secretary Alexey Danilov said Wednesday.

"Recently, our Foreign Minister made a statement, in which he clearly defined that the first priority is security; the second priority is security and the third priority - is security," Danilov said, according to Ukrainian media. "If this issue is not resolved, if our country is not safe, no grain will go anywhere. Because the issue of security is number one for us."

Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin underscored that Moscow guarantees free export of ships with Ukrainian grain if Kiev demines its ports, and can also ensure export of grain through ports under Russian control, such as Berdyansk and Mariupol. Ukraine can also export its grain by land, the Russian leader noted, adding that Belarus would be the most logical route, but that would require withdrawal of Western sanctions. Putin also noted that global food problems started back in February 2020. He called allegations that Russia is blocking grain in Ukrainian ports a bluff.

On April 30, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov noted in an interview that Ukrainian mines drift in the Black Sea, creating threats for navigation and infrastructure of Black Sea countries.