Rep. Ilhan Omar Statement on Black Sea Grain Deal

MINNEAPOLIS—Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) released the following statement following Russia's termination of the Black Sea grain deal.

“Russia’s termination of the Black Sea grain deal with Ukraine will lead to humanitarian catastrophe. By terminating this deal, Putin is effectively plunging millions around the world into famine and starvation.

“Ukraine accounts for 10% of the world wheat market, 15% of the corn market, and 13% of the barley market.

“Some of the world’s poorest and most populous countries depend on Ukrainian food exports. Especially with the climate crisis devastating much of East Africa, the Black Sea grain deal was one of the few things preventing a much more significant global food crisis.

“Vladimir Putin is holding the global food supply hostage for his own imperial ambitions. All good faith diplomatic efforts should be taken to ensure the safe passage of grain from Ukraine . In the meantime, I hope the United States and our allies can do everything in our power to ensure that the global south have the food that they need to survive."