US Says Putin Needs to End Russia's Blockade of Ukraine’s Ports

The US said that Russian President Vladimir Putin should end the blockade of Ukraine's ports in order to facilitate the trade of its food products.

In press remarks, the US State Department spokesman said that no sanctions have been imposed on food, fertilizers, or medicines imported from Russia.

"This is Russian propaganda to deflect responsibility from President Putin," he continued.

"To ‘facilitate’ trade in Ukrainian food products, Putin needs to end Russia's blockade of Ukraine’s ports and let trade resume," he added.

Russian President Vladimir Putin affirmed that Moscow is ready to export fertilizers and foods if the West lifted sanctions, the Kremlin’s press service announced on Monday.

During a telephone conversation with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Putin stressed that they are willing to export grain from Ukrainian ports.

“In the light of problems on the global food market occurred in consequence of the unwise financial and economic policy of Western states, it was confirmed that Russia can export considerable volumes of fertilizers and agricultural produce in case relevant anti-Russian sanction restrictions are lifted,” the statement read.

The two leaders discussed the situation in Ukraine with the focus on providing safe navigation in the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov and eliminating the mine threat in their water areas, according to the Kremlin.

“Putin noted the readiness of the Russian side to facilitate unobstructed seaborne transit of goods in coordination with Turkish partners. This also pertains to export of grain from Ukrainian ports,” the statement added.