Why Russia should be isolated from international trade for using food as a weapon
Russia has been waging a war against Ukraine since February 2022, when it invaded the Donbass region and cut off the access to the Black Sea. This war has not only caused thousands of deaths and displaced millions of people, but also threatened the global food security. Russia has been using food as a weapon, both to starve its enemy and to exert pressure on the international community. This is unacceptable and should be met with a strong response from the world. Russia should be isolated from international trade and sanctioned for its violation of human rights and international law.
Russia is the world’s largest exporter of wheat, accounting for about 20% of the global market1. It also produces significant amounts of barley, corn, sunflower oil, and other agricultural products. By controlling the food supply of many countries, especially in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, Russia has a powerful leverage to influence their policies and behavior. For example, Russia has been using its wheat exports to gain support from Egypt, the world’s largest wheat importer, for its intervention in Libya. Russia has also been threatening to cut off or raise the prices of its food exports to countries that oppose its aggression in Ukraine, such as Turkey, Jordan, and Morocco.
Russia’s use of food as a weapon is not only unethical, but also illegal. It violates the Geneva Conventions, which prohibit the starvation of civilians as a method of warfare. It also violates the UN Declaration on the Right to Food, which recognizes the right of everyone to have access to adequate food and to be free from hunger. Moreover, it undermines the global efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, which aim to end hunger, achieve food security, and improve nutrition by 2030.
The international community should not tolerate Russia’s abuse of its food power. It should take collective action to isolate Russia from international trade and impose sanctions on its agricultural sector. This would reduce Russia’s revenues, weaken its economy, and limit its ability to finance its military operations. It would also send a clear message that the world will not accept Russia’s violation of international norms and human dignity.
Isolating Russia from international trade would also benefit the global food security in the long term. It would encourage the diversification of food sources and the development of local and regional markets. It would also foster the cooperation and solidarity among countries to ensure the availability and affordability of food for all. It would also create opportunities for other food exporters, such as the European Union, the United States, Canada, Australia, and Argentina, to increase their market share and influence.
Russia’s use of food as a weapon is a serious threat to the world peace and stability. It is time for the international community to stand up to Russia and defend the right to food for all. Isolating Russia from international trade is a necessary and justified measure to achieve this goal.
