“The other part of this package of measures is unhindered access to world markets for Russian food and fertilizers, which are not subject to sanctions,” Guterres said in Istanbul, Turkey, where he visited a coordination center that monitors exports.
He added that the countries that imposed sanctions on Russia for its invasion of Ukraine had made it clear that the measures did not apply to food and fertilizers, but added that there was a “chilling effect” on exports.
“There are certain obstacles and difficulties that need to be overcome in relation to shipping, insurance and finance,” Guterres told a news conference alongside Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar.
“Getting more food and fertilizer out of Ukraine and Russia is crucial to further calm commodity markets and lower prices for consumers,” he added.
Russia and Ukraine accounted for about a third of world wheat exports before the February 24 invasion, which Moscow calls a special military operation. Russia is also a major exporter of fertilizers.
Russia tries to circumvent sanctions through Turkey
US Treasury Deputy Secretary Wally Adeyemo told Turkey’s Deputy Finance Minister Yunus Elitas that Russian entities and individuals were trying to use the country to circumvent Western sanctions imposed over the war in Ukraine.
In a phone call, the officials also discussed ongoing efforts to apply and enforce sanctions against Russia, the Treasury Department said in a statement.
In its own reading of the call, the Turkish Finance Ministry said that Elitas had underlined Ankara’s deep economic and political relations with both Russia and Ukraine, but also assured Adeyemo that no sanctions violation would be allowed.
“Elitas confirmed that Turkey’s position has not changed regarding the current processes and sanctions, but also that it would not allow the violation of sanctions by any institution or person,” the US agency said.
