Ambassador Antonov: the aggravation of the food crisis was due to Western sanctions

“Further aggravation of the crisis was due to the imposition by Washington and its satellites of illegitimate sanctions against Russia,” he said.

In addition, according to Antonov, Russian exporters often face problems orchestrated by the United States, including blocked payments, denials of loans and insurance, and difficulties in purchasing agricultural equipment.

"In addition, the United States continues to raise duties on the import of our fertilizers," the ambassador concluded.

Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin, in a telephone conversation with Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer, said that attempts to accuse Moscow of allegedly creating difficulties with the supply of agricultural products to world markets are unfounded.

Prior to that, in a conversation with Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi, the Russian leader noted that Russia is ready to help overcome the food crisis through the export of grain and fertilizers, but for this it is necessary to remove politically motivated restrictions imposed by Western countries.